He walks up to the plate, the barrel in hand like he has done so many times before. But this time is different. He does not want it to be, but he knows it will be his last. He is telling himself to be calm, treat it like every other at bat while everyone else gets quiet knowing what’s happening. Even the wind blowing in from left field stops, inviting him up to the plate with impending surgery the next day.
Senior Sylvester Tournier stepped up to the plate for the final time of his high school career on April 28 at Priory. His season was going to be cut short by “Tommy John Surgery” the next morning, a reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing arm, a procedure that, on average, sidelines players for about 12 months.
“I knew it was my last at-bat of my high school career so my mindset that whole day was really [to] just have as much fun as possible,” Tournier said.
Head varsity baseball coach Timothy Canavan said that Tournier had to visit a number of doctors early in the season to get a diagnosis. He had pitched in the jamboree on March 15 and in two games on March 20 and March 27. He was building up a higher pitch count each time out. But it was in his last outing against Belleville West when he felt a pop. Thus began all of the doctor visits and tests.
“When healthy, he projected at the top of our pitching rotation and in the middle of our lineup. So we have two big holes to fill, not just one,” Coach Canavan said. “Syl is a player who wants to be considered among the best. He has a lot of natural ability as well as the drive it takes to be a great ballplayer.”
Sylvester even earned himself a scholarship to play at the next level. He plans to further his athletic career next spring at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois.
“He’s a tremendous talent,” Coach Canavan said. “I think he should be proud of what he accomplished even though we all wish his time on the field hadn’t been cut short. Depending on [how long his recovery takes], he may redshirt next year or join his team near the beginning of next spring.”
The first pitch came, and he was ready for it. He crushed the ball, and the crowd went silent, hoping it would get over the centerfielder’s head. It kept flying over the wall for a home run, and Tournier rounded the bases one final time.
“It was cool to have my career end on such a good memory because, unfortunately, I have had my previous seasons end on bad notes,” Tournier said. “Being able to end my season on such a cool note and with such a good memory is something so special to me.”
