It is a miracle that Tyler Zombro is still alive. The Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher was struck in the head by a 104 MPH line drive last year, immediately collapsing to the mound and having convulsions. He needed immediate emergency brain surgery, and eventually had 16 plates and 36 screws inserted to stabilize his skull. Any thoughts about Zombro continuing his career were secondary.
But he was determined to make a comeback. Zombro worked hard at his rehab, needing speech, occupational, and physical therapy to even get back to a normal life. Even then, and in those dark moments when it was uncertain if he would ever walk or talk again, he was determined to find his way back to the mound.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Zombro completes emotional comeback
That moment happened on Sunday. Less than a year after being struck by that line drive, he took the mound against the Norfolk Tides, receiving a standing ovation when he was announced as the Durham Bulls’ new pitcher.
The moment @T_Zombro24 was announced as the new pitcher in Norfolk, with both teams coming out of their dugouts to applaud Z.
— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) April 24, 2022
First class, @NorfolkTides.
Thank you.#KEEPGOING pic.twitter.com/fMx2ihPPBi
That outing went as well as anyone could have hoped. While he allowed a leadoff double, Zombro was able to retire the next three batters, throwing eight of his 14 pitches for strikes. He stated that his velocity was not where he wanted it to be just yet, but he feels confident and is just looking to build on that first appearance.
The fact that he is even out there is impressive enough. There was no guarantee that would ever happen, especially as he underwent so much in his quest to return. But there he was, the only difference being that he is wearing a padded cap and has a flap to protect his fractured zygomatic bone.
No one can tell how the future will work out. There is no promise that Zombro will reach the majors, or that his showing on Sunday is just the beginning of what is to come. But none of that really matters – what is important is that he is not only healthy, but able to continue doing what he loves.
It is a miracle that Tyler Zombro is still alive, let alone on the diamond. The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher completed his impressive comeback on Sunday as he took the mound.