A long period of suffering came to an end for the Guggenberg Legionnaires last weekend. Pascal Amon was back on the field for the first time since 2022 in the test against the Munich-Haar Disciples. The outfielder played in an unusual role on the pitcher’s mound from the start – an option that coach Martin Helmig wants to test this year.
Shortly before the playoffs around a year and a half ago, the former minor league professional for the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a serious ankle injury. This was followed by surgery and endless rehabilitation. Now the 26-year-old is back on the baseball field. And immediately takes on a prominent role in his trainer’s plans. The former boarding school student is primarily expected to replace David Dinski in the outfield. The national player played no role in Regensburg’s plans for 2024 and recently joined the Heidenheim Heideköpfen.
Bad luck if you twist your ankle
For Amon, returning after such a long time is like redemption. “It feels great to be back on the field with the boys,” says the Ingolstadt native. He still remembers the devastating day in 2022. “It happened in one of the last regular-season games. After a hit, I made an aggressive turn to first base. I fell over. Something that can happen at any time. “But I was very unlucky and suffered cartilage damage and tore the outer ligaments,” describes Amon.
From then on the torment began. “It was a difficult time. For one thing, I missed the playoffs. But above all, of course, I had to walk around with crutches for a long time. The cartilage damage required surgery. “The long rehab followed with a slow increase in load, at some point jogging and strength training,” explains Amon. There is still a lot of training on the program for the Regensburg native. “Of course, a lot of muscles have to be built up again. “I try to train as much as possible and get my body back in shape,” says Amon.
At least one highlight provided encouragement during the difficult phase. The ex-Dodgers professional traveled to London in connection with the Major League Baseball (MLB) season games last year. “That was very, very cool, an amazing experience. I came to it through Martin Brunner. MLB was looking for ex-professionals, so the connection was there. We basically did the pre-show for the new event, Homerun Derby X, which took place in London. Afterwards we sat with many former major league professionals. “You don’t forget something like that,” assures Amon.
However, the Regensburg native was only able to gain real match practice again this February. The outfielder then stayed in Tenerife with the German national team. “It was a dress rehearsal, so to speak. I didn’t have any problems with my ankle. “It felt great,” says Amon.
“Very excited” about the team
Now the returnee is looking forward to playing time with the Guggenberg Legionnaires. “I am very excited about our team, getting to know the new players and being on the field together. The season is longer this time, so I’m confident that we can perform well,” says the 26-year-old.
David Dinski will no longer be part of the team. The Ellwanger native only returned last season. “Unfortunately it didn’t work out the way we had imagined. But that doesn’t mean he’s a bad player. We wish him good luck,” explains Legionnaires coach Helmig. Amon played in Dinski’s position in center field in previous years. Now the national player could replace his successor and selection colleague there.
2024-03-21 19:21:08
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