Tommy Schoch’s Journey Back to Baseball

Tommy Schoch, the ace pitcher from Carle Place, faced a tough challenge as his senior season approached. During a playoff football game against Lynbrook last fall, he dislocated his shoulder and tore his labrum.

“I tried to tackle a player and ended up hitting my shoulder the wrong way,” the 18-year-old quarterback and cornerback explained. “The thought of not being able to play baseball—well, that hit me hard. It meant the world to me.”

Despite this setback, Schoch, pronounced “shock,” showcased his pitching prowess as a freshman, forming a solid foundation for his success (38 strikeouts, with a 1.40 ERA over 35 innings in 2025). His performance earned him a spot on the SUNY Old Westbury team for the upcoming college season.

Last year was significant for Schoch as he was part of Carle Place’s first county championship-winning team in decades. With determination, he geared up for one last chance to shine on the field.

The journey to recovery began with surgery on the non-throwing side of his right arm, and from there, it was up to him to do the legwork—literally and figuratively. “I focused heavily on strength training,” he remembered about his physical therapy routine over the months.

His primary motivation? Getting back on the field by the March 9 start date. “That kept me going throughout the recovery,” Schoch noted. Fortunately, he received the green light just days before the season kicked off. “We found out on March 3rd, so it was just in time.”

This news brought joy not only to Schoch but also to his teammates. Many of whom he had played soccer with, expressed their concerns during his recovery. “They were really worried about me,” he shared, highlighting the tight-knit nature of their team.

Now, with the season underway, the team is focused on their main objective: winning another county championship. “That’s our goal,” Schoch stated. “Maybe we can even aim for the Long Island Championship. That’s really what I want.”