It was like any other Summer League baseball game for Rochelle Township High School graduate Cody Johnson. But suddenly, everything changed with one pitch.

Johnson was on the mound for his summer team, Next Level Baseball, when he felt immediate discomfort in his throwing elbow after throwing a pitch during a tournament game in Elgin. The pain was severe enough that Johnson couldn’t throw a baseball anymore, and when Johnson eventually had his elbow examined further, doctors confirmed the worst-case scenario, that the former Hub pitcher had torn his UCL and would require Tommy John surgery.

“When it happened, I was pitching and I felt a pop in my elbow,” Johnson said. “When I was diagnosed with a torn UCL, I wasn’t surprised since I knew what the injury was.”

Fortunately, Johnson underwent successful surgery this past October, and since then, Johnson has been rehabbing his elbow to get back to full health. The RTHS alum had initially signed to play baseball for Kishwaukee College this season, and although he would have missed the 2020 season anyway in light of the coronavirus, the injury led Johnson to withdraw from the team.

However, Johnson remains optimistic about his return to baseball, and the former Hub standout hasn’t given up on his dream to play Division I baseball someday. Johnson also said he’s made significant progress since beginning his rehab process this past November. Tommy John surgery typically requires 12-to-18 months for a full recovery.

“The rehab process has been really good,” Johnson said. “The biggest challenges I faced were not being to use my arm how I usually do and getting my full range of motion back. I’m planning on returning to baseball, although I’m not sure if I’ll be going to Kishwaukee or not. My biggest goals when I return are to hopefully throw harder and play Division I baseball someday.”