These Athletes Were On Hall Of Fame Paths Until Injuries Got In The Way

Rick Ankiel Couldn’t Make It Back From Tommy John Surgery

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These days it almost feels like pre-emptive Tommy John surgery should be required for pitchers before the make the majors. In 2004, when Rick Ankiel underwent the procedure, his career almost ended. Prior to the surgery was 12-10 with a 3.84 ERA. When he came back, his ERA ballooned to 5.40 and he made a drastic decision.

Ankiel returned to the minors to learn how to play in the outfield and hit for power. He returned to the majors in 2008 and hit .264 with 25 home runs. His luck faded the next year, and he retired in 2013 at age 33. Next, do you remember how Bo Jackson’s career went off the tracks?