In the spring of last year, Ian Tosi of Mount Carmel faced a turning point. What seemed to be a routine surgery evolved into a Tommy John procedure. A demanding rehabilitation followed. Roughly 15 months later, Tosi, a senior and Miami signee, returned to pitch for the Caravan. His performance proved that his effort to recover was worthwhile.
“I worked every day of the week to recover,” Tosi remarked. “Coming back in 11 months is rare. I did this for my team and I feel proud.”
In a Wednesday game, Tosi helped Mount Carmel hold St. Laurence to four earned runs over 5 2/3 innings despite four errors and six allowed hits. His contribution was crucial in their 12-8 victory in the Class 4A Brother Rice Sectional semifinal in Chicago. Brady Holland and TJ McQuillan, recruits for Georgetown and Wake Forest respectively, hit home runs for the Caravan, with Holland’s shot scoring three runs. Pancho Vazquez contributed with two hits and two RBIs, while Cullen Winters finished with three hits, a run, and an RBI.
Tosi’s determination was clear, “It’s amazing but we knew we were going to win. We’re the better team.”
Now, Mount Carmel will face Brother Rice on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the sectional championship. Brother Rice advanced by defeating Reavis 7-6 in eight innings.
St. Laurence, which ended its quest for consecutive state titles, was led by Louisville recruit Cory Les who hit a three-run homer, contributing four RBIs. Wisconsin-Parkside commit Danny Donovan added a solo home run.
“He’s been through a lot the last 16 or 17 months,” coach Brian Hurry said. “Not many people have seen what he’s done to return. I’m proud of him. It was a gutsy performance.”
Tosi’s journey started with arm soreness, leading to the diagnosis of a partial UCL tear. Initially expecting a simple repair, Tosi awoke to learn of the more serious Tommy John surgery. “I was shocked,” Tosi admitted. “But I think it’s better this way. The full reconstruction is more than just a fix. Now my arm keeps improving.”
Tosi returned unexpectedly for the start of the season. Though he began with limited pitching outings, he increased his game time as the season progressed, currently boasting a 5-0 record, 1.46 ERA, and 36 strikeouts over 33 2/3 innings. “The preparation has been ideal,” Tosi noted. “I told them I’d be ready for the playoffs, giving them necessary innings to win.”
Holland’s three-run homer in the sixth inning supported Tosi, extending the lead to 12-5. “We knew we needed to score more,” Holland said. “Beating them after four years is fantastic.”
Tosi echoed the sentiment. “It’s incredible,” he said. “I worked so hard to reach this point. After the game, emotions ran high and I’m grateful I helped my team secure the win.”
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