Borowiec bounces back from surgery to lift Lancers

April, 1 2009

By Jen Toland, Worcester Telegram & Gazette Staff

Mike Borowiec had done it a million times before - thrown a baseball, that is - but as he gripped the seams that day last summer at PT Innovations in Auburn and eyed his target, 15 feet away, a strange and unfamiliar feeling overcame him.

"I was so nervous," Borowiec said, "because I didn't know what to expect."

Today marks 14 months since the Worcester State junior pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery. The procedure on Borowiec's right elbow was performed by Dr. William Morgan (of Curt Schilling/bloody sock fame) and, judging by the way Borowiec has started the season, it was a success.

On March 16, Borowiec made his season debut - and first start since May 1, 2007 - against Amherst. In a no-decision, he went six innings and allowed one hit and one earned run. When he stepped on the mound that day in Lakeland, Fla., the nerves were long gone.

"By that time, I had played the moment over so many times in my head," Borowiec said. "For more than a year, all I thought about was baseball."

Borowiec, who led David Prouty to the 2004 Central Mass. Division 3 championship, said his injury developed over time - he throws a lot of curveballs. By the end of the '07 season, his arm was "killing" him and his fingers were numb.

The decision to have surgery was a major one. Once he went through with it - "I owe Dr. Morgan a lot," he said - he faced an arduous rehab.

Borowiec wore two different braces, did all kinds of exercises, and it was six months before he could even throw. He got through the tough times with his faith, the support of his parents, family and friends, and the hope that he'd be back for this season.

"Mike was a hard worker before the injury," Worcester State coach Dirk Baker said. "I would describe the work he's done since and with his rehab pro-like."

Baker also praised Borowiec's work in the classroom.

Borowiec (1-1, 2.70) has made two more starts since facing Amherst. He was the tough-luck loser in a five-inning (two earned runs allowed) performance against nationally ranked St. Thomas. Borowiec, of Spencer, picked up his first win of the year last weekend against Mass. Maritime.

"I feel good," Borowiec said, "confident, strong. I'm still coming back, but I'm getting better every day."

Borowiec, who went 4-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 2007, missed out on the Lancers' run to the NCAA Tournament last year. WSC won 24 games, the MASCAC Tournament and defeated St. Joseph's (Maine) in the NCAAs.

Borowiec was around the team some, but in addition to school, worked a part-time job and had all those hours of physical therapy to endure. It was hard to be away, but it was hard to be around, too.

This spring was a happy time for everyone.

"Our team is such a welcoming group," Borowiec said. "We have great chemistry, and once we start clicking, we're going to go on a run. I'm glad to be back with them and I'm happy to be playing baseball."

Borowiec is scheduled to start Game 2 of the Lancers' doubleheader Saturday against MASCAC favorite Westfield State.

"I think he's a great leader," Baker said. "All of his hard work shows that not only did he want to come back, he wanted to come back better."