UCL injury did not stop Jake Sullivan from continuing his career as a Winthrop Eagle
Jake Sullivan is a redshirt junior and third baseman on the Winthrop baseball team.
An exercise science major from Matthews, North Carolina, Sullivan has been around baseball throughout his life, and it had always been his goal to play Division I baseball. Winthrop was a perfect fit because it was close enough to home, which allowed for his parents and sister be able to come and watch his games. Finding a perfect fit for his education and athletic career was really important for him. “I also loved Winthrop because I really felt that they believed in me,” said Sullivan.
In his sophomore year, Sullivan injured his UCL against Miami of Ohio. “I threw the ball and my whole arm started tingling. After I tore it, I tried to throw and I just didn’t have it anymore,” said Sullivan. UCL injuries are extremely common in the game of baseball because of throwing the baseball with a lot of force. The process and recovery took over a year and caused him to redshirt, which gives him another year of eligibility with the Eagles. “I didn’t feel like my ‘old self’ until almost two years after surgery,” said Sullivan. Sullivan plans to use this year to finish his degree and have another year competing as a Winthrop Eagle.
Being a Division I athlete is taxing on the mind and body, especially baseball. “Baseball is such a mental sport and not enough people work on that aspect. You’ve got to learn to keep your emotions in check before you can play to your full capability,” said Sullivan. Throughout the nine innings of a baseball game, mistakes will be made but being able to learn from them and move on is a major component to be successful as an individual and team.
The Eagles are just getting their season underway and according to Sullivan, he feels like he is getting back on track after his injury and the team has a lot of potential. There are a lot of older guys on the team and Sullivan believes that this will ultimately translate to success on the field.
