Henkel Returns To Action
June 26, 1999
Two years ago, everything was going right for UCLA lefthander Rob Henkel. After helping lead UCLA to the College World Series in 1997, he was named as UCLA's No. 1 starter for 1998 and was expected to be the No. 1 starter for Team USA. But he hurt his elbow and underwent surgery on March 31, 1998. Since then, he has endured a long rehabilitation process. But all of his hard work has paid off.
The talented lefthander returned to the hill on Friday for Yarmouth-Dennis of the Cape Cod League. He pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out one. He pitched the eighth inning of Yarmouth Dennis' 2-0 loss to Cotuit.
"It felt awesome being out there on the mound once again. I look forward to a real good summer," said Henkel.
Not only did Henkel have to deal with the twi-light, the wind and the fact that his catcher had just joined the team and did not know what he threw, he had to face some of the premier players in college baseball.
Pepperdine's star player Dane Sardinha was the first batter up, and Henkel retired him on a groundout to third. Then Henkel faced his UCLA teammate, All-American Garrett Atkins, and struck him out. Then UCLA teammate Chase Utley stepped up to the plate, and it was Utley who would win the bragging rights, singling to left field. Henkel quickly bounced back and retired Jason Colson on a fly out to left field.
Earlier this month, the New York Mets selected Henkel in the 20th round of the major league draft. Henkel can sign with them up until the time he attends his first UCLA class in the fall. "I think I will be back at UCLA. Our team is going to be outstanding, and I don't want to miss out on a return trip to Omaha."