Sports
Ladendecker Nearing a Return for Coyotes
Senior right-hander was sidelined over the summer by a stress fracture in his lower back, but his doctors have told him his recovery is well ahead of schedule.
Calabasas High pitcher Sean Ladendecker, who suffered a stress fracture in his lower back in early June and missed the Valley Invitational Baseball League season, received some good news this week when doctors informed him that the recovery process was well ahead of schedule.
"I've had to take a hands off approach to baseball for a while and it was truly, honestly, hard to stay away from the game I love,'' Ladendecker said. "Luckily, thankfully, things are finally starting to look optimistic for me.''
The senior could return to baseball activity later this week, albeit on a limited basis. And that's good news for the Coyotes, who started practice on Wednesday. Beyond that, winter ball begins in early November in preparation for the regular season in the spring.
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Barring any significant setbacks, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-hander is expected to be healthy and back in the starting rotation, a role he's familiar with after a solid junior season.
"Sean is a big part of what we like to do around here,'' Calabasas coach Ed Edsall said. "While he was out, we missed his presence.''
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That was evident this summer. Without Ladendecker's experience and leadership on the mound, the Coyotes struggled in VIBL play, losing nine of their first 12 games inclduing a seven-game losing streak. Max Shifman, Allan Clark, Ian Sales, Jacob Fields and Brett Bachelis all took turns attempting to replace Ladendecker.
"Sean brings a lot to the table,'' Calabasas catcher Jordan Bass said. "We're a different team when he's out there throwing the ball. He understands the game better than most and that's important for a pitcher. He's a calming influence for us. When he's out on the bump, we always feel like we have a good chance to win games.''
Ladendecker started eight games last season, finishing with a 4-4 record. In 42 innings he had 28 strikeouts, ranking second behind ace Travis Cassidy.
"If all goes according to plan, and we've seen some encouraging signs recently, we think Sean can make some good things happen for us,'' Edsall said. "He has a bright future here at Calabasas, injury or no injury.
"We never intended to rush him back into things. We knew if he approached his recovery the right way that he'd in the lineup soon enough. He's close now, days away, and we can't to see him on the mound once again.''