Travis Waggoner Makes Triumphant Return to the Mound After Tommy John Surgery

After a long and arduous journey, Travis Waggoner, a senior at Pflugerville High School, finally made his triumphant return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2023. The injury occurred during a game last season when Travis felt a strange sensation in his elbow while pitching. It turned out to be a torn UCL, a common injury among baseball players at all levels.

For Travis, baseball has always been a family affair. His father, Dale Waggoner, is the varsity coach at Pflugerville HS, and Travis grew up as a batboy for the team, eventually playing for his dad on the varsity program. The injury was not only a setback for Travis as a player but also a challenge for Dale as a father and coach.

The road to recovery was long and challenging, with Travis undergoing extensive rehab to get back on the mound. His hard work paid off on April 20th when he made his return as the starting pitcher in a game. Despite some nerves, Travis performed admirably, pitching one inning, giving up one unearned run, and striking out a batter.

Reflecting on his journey back to the mound, Travis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again before graduating high school. He hopes to continue playing baseball after high school and has learned valuable lessons about arm care and injury prevention.

As the issue of arm injuries among pitchers continues to plague baseball at all levels, Travis and his father recognize the importance of proper training, rest, and arm care to prevent future injuries. With a renewed appreciation for the game and a determination to succeed, Travis looks forward to a bright future on the diamond.