Last week, I got off the mound for the first time since August 2, 2021. Here’s how it went…and a thread of where it goes from here:
80mph! I honestly can’t say I was expecting it. I knew I felt good, and had periodically checked my velo while throwing to build up to this. But I always go easy when I’m first off the mound. This felt easy.
But why am I throwing off a mound again? I have thrown in 1 Major League game since 2018! ONE!!! And I blew my elbow out that day! I’m now about 16 months removed from my 2nd Tommy John surgery!! I’m going to turn 40 in April!!! What am I doing?
Quite frankly, I’m not sure. But I do know that I can’t quit, and can’t have my career end on my elbow giving out on me. Not after working so hard to get back to a big league mound. So my hope, intent, want, dream…is to get back out on that mound in competition one more time.
Last year, my journey back to the MLB came after training and preparing to play in the Olympic Qualifiers. It was for the team I first got to suit up for in 2001, and helped me forge the path of my career: Team Canada! @baseballcanada
With the WBC in March, I’ve set my sights on suiting up for my country and giving everything I’ve got to compete one more time. Since the day I was able to start training and throwing again, this has been my hope and goal!
Recovering from a major elbow surgery at 38/39 years old is no joke. I have to stay strong and healthy for this dream to be a reality. I’ve ridden the waves of this journey and have been beaten down by some as well. But through it all, I still crave that feeling of competition.
And what happens after Team Canada and the WBC? Who knows! But I can’t imagine a more fitting way for this playing journey to end; pitching for my country again and competing against some of the best players in the world! 🇨🇦⚾️❤️
@JohnAxford Wishing for you the best of appearances! For every training sesh, exhibition, game, everything. I chose 59 for slow pitch softball every chance I get cuz of you're 2011 season
@JohnAxford We’re all rooting for you - you’ve made 🇨🇦proud no matter what happens next. ❤️⚾️
@JohnAxford Good luck John. Perhaps the Jays will watch your progress.
@JohnAxford Best of luck! Looking forward to watching you throw for 🇨🇦!!
@JohnAxford Hope to see you in spring training with the Brewers. Take advantage of their pitching lab.