University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Standout Pitcher Returns To Action
June 26, 1999
UCLA standout pitcher Rob Henkel returned to action on Friday evening after missing most of the 1998 season and the entire 1999 season due to an elbow injury. After undergoing elbow surgery on March 31, 1998, Henkel has endured a long rehabilitation process, but his hard work has paid off, and he returned to the mound on Friday in the Cape Cod League for Yarmouth-Dennis against Cotuit and looked in top form. Henkel's team lost 2-0, but he pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Henkel had his work cut out for him. Not only was he pitching in the twi-light with the wind blowing but the first three hitters he had to face were three of the premier players in college baseball: Pepperdine's Dane Sardinha, and UCLA's Garrett Atkins and Chase Utley.
"It felt good to be back out there. I hope to increase my innings each time out there and start by the end of the summer. I look forward to a great summer," said Henkel.
Henkel retired Sardinha on a groundout to third. Then he struck out Atkins with his famous curveball. Henkel didn't win the bragging rights against Utley, however, as Utley fought off a tough pitch inside and muscled it into left field for the base hir. Then Henkel retired Jason Colson on a flyout to left.
The New York Mets selected Henkel in the 20th round of the June major league draft and he has until school starts to sign with them. "I think I will be back at UCLA. The team will be awesome. I don't want to miss out on a return trip to Omaha," said Henkel.