March 30, 2007

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr., AP Sports Writer
March 28, 2007

Michael Ambort isn't quite sure when his right elbow tore apart.

The Lamar catcher only remembers gradually feeling some pins and needles, not having the usual zip on his throws and not being able to take the powerful swings that made him an All-American and possible early round draft pick.

"I was just playing and I guess it was just wear and tear," Ambort recalled. "I can't really remember one time or one throw when it got me."

A year after having Tommy John surgery, the native of Rockville Centre, N.Y., is back in the lineup for the Cardinals -- serving mainly as the team's designated hitter and first baseman, and has even played three games behind the plate.

"I'm just happy to be out here out on the field and actually be playing," Ambort said. "Coming off the surgery, it's just a good thing just to get on the field, get your at-bats and do whatever you need to help the team win."

Ambort was coming off an outstanding sophomore season in 2005, when he hit .336 with a school-record 18 homers and drove in 65 runs when he was selected to play for the prestigious Cape Cod League. While playing in Massachusetts, Ambort was invited to try out for Team USA. It was there that he noticed something was wrong.

"When I couldn't really throw, I couldn't swing -- when everything was just painful -- that's when I knew I had to shut it down and get it looked at," Ambort said.

He missed the cut for Team USA, and went back to the Cape and struggled. The reason is clear now.

"When he got back up there, they decided he was going to need Tommy John," Lamar coach Jim Gilligan said. "After a couple of more visits, they thought maybe he could rehab it, but it just wasn't going right. So, he started out his junior year and then he said it just wasn't right. He did the smart thing and had it fixed."

Ambort talked to his family and coaches, and decided to see Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Cincinnati Reds' surgeon, in Chicago. Kremchek operated on the elbow shortly after the visit, and Ambort's junior season was done after just six games.

"It's 12 months, and I'm still not 100 percent," he said. "I'm up there, I'm at like 90 percent right now, but hopefully within the next couple of months I'll be at that 100 percent."

Ambort stayed with the team after he had the surgery, soaking up all the baseball he could.

"It was a learning experience, it really was," he said. "Just sitting there and watching the game, and watching how different players reacted when certain things happened. Of course, you're upset that you can't play, but in a situation like that, you always try to make the best of what's there."

Despite being injured, Ambort was drafted last June in the 18th round by Oakland, but he decided to return to school so he could slowly work his way back onto the field. He has played in all but one game this season, hitting .400 with three homers and 33 RBIs. He's been the Cardinals' DH 17 times, but is seeing increased time at first base after an injury to starter Dan Hernandez.

"It's just great to have him back, just to have him in our lineup again is great, but to have him in our clubhouse and his leadership out on the field regardless of his position," Gilligan said. "Mike was over there at first base and starts a couple of 3-6-1 double plays and he's not a first baseman. The thing is, he's a ballplayer."

But Ambort's first love remains being behind the plate.

"That's my position and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing a few more games and getting the arm better," he said.

Gilligan said Ambort's throwing from behind the plate actually has improved since the injury.

"I was not a fan of his throwing mechanics," he said. "I mean, he got the job done, but there was just too much action in the elbow when he threw. Coming back, he's so technically sound in his approach to his throwing right now that he's looking much better throwing the ball than he ever has."