Elijah Birdsong’s chance to pitch on opening day for University of the Pacific’s baseball team marked the end of an arduous comeback and the rekindling of a bright future.

After COVID-19 shortened the 2020 baseball season, limiting Birdsong to three appearances, he was ready for his junior year. But he suffered what is known as a “Tommy John” injury, a common yet devastating elbow injury that typically requires a year or more of recovery. 

Tommy John surgery was named after the former Major League Baseball pitcher who was the first to have the procedure. It requires taking a tendon from somewhere else on the body—often the forearm or hamstring, or from a donor—to replace the injured tendon. The surgery has a high success rate but requires significant recovery time since there is extensive rehab. 

“When I found out that I needed the surgery, I was upset but not discouraged because I knew it would be a minor setback,” says the right-hander. “I knew that if I took it day by day and was fully committed to the rehab process, I would come back from the injury stronger than before.”

He said aspects of his pitching needed work, such as “mechanics and mental fortitude. The recovery from Tommy John gave me plenty of time to work on them,” he said. 

Dominic Alejandre, assistant director of sports medicine who helped Birdsong with his rehab, said the surgery is “extensive.”

“It places a lot of stress on the body in regard to not only the elbow but the shoulder as well. So there is a lot of emphasis on a full-body approach in regards to rehab,” he said. “Regaining range of motion from the get go, and then strengthening everything that involves the throwing motion (are needed). His determination to get better every day and learn about his body and listen to his body have been impressive to watch.” 

While he couldn’t compete in the 2021 season, Birdsong stayed involved with the team. “I was still able to practice and train” he said. “I even got to travel with the team as bullpen coach. Being around my teammates helped me stay positive.” 

“Elijah is one of those players that guys gravitate to,” says Pacific Coach Chris Rodriguez. “Spending last season managing the bullpen helped Elijah gain a leadership role with the pitching staff. His work ethic on and off the field exemplifies why he is one of the leaders.”

After finishing his high school career in Benicia with a 1.00 earned run average and only one loss, Pacific was the only school that would allow him to play Division I baseball as a freshman.

“Pacific has become my home, and I would not want to be anywhere else,” said Birdsong. “Since being here, I have felt nothing but love and support from everyone in the athletic department.”

Birdsong hopes to play professionally, and that goal may be realized. Major League scouts often appear when he is scheduled to pitch.

In his opening day outing against Northern Colorado, Birdsong pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on two hits and striking out seven. His fastball was clocked at 93 mph, a respectable level for a major-league pitcher.

“I plan to have a successful professional career playing the game I love,” he said.