You will not be seeing today’s podcast guest pitching for the Butte High Bulldogs during his senior season.

Jaxon Williamson can only watch as the Bulldogs play their fourth season of high school baseball because he underwent Tommy John Surgery in November. Tommy John surgery means that the Ulnar Collateral Ligament was reconstructed in his right elbow. The procedure is named after John, who was the first pitcher to undergo the procedure in 1974.

The surgery has a high success rate, but it usually takes 12 to 18 months before a pitcher can pitch again.

So, Jaxon will not be on the mound for the Bulldogs again.

That is a huge loss for the Bulldogs. As a junior, Williamson was throwing his fastball around 85 mph. He also led the team with a 3.00 ERA. He gave up just 14 hits while striking out 42 batters over 25 and two thirds innings in six starts.

Jaxon was primmed for a spot near the top of the Bulldog rotation for one last run at a state title.

But the pain in his arm got to be too much last summer, and he was forced to go to operating table, ending his pitching days for the Bulldogs.

He will, however, pitch again. Since he has not yet turned 18, Jaxon will have a “super senior” year for the Butte Miners American Legion baseball team. He is hoping to parlay that season into a spot on a college team.

Do not bet against him.

Jaxon showed us his determination when he worked his way back in time to play for the Butte High basketball team at the end of the season.

Earlier today, I met with Jaxon inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation.

Listen in as he talks about the injury that led to Tommy John and the long recovery process. Listen to hear that Jaxon doesn’t dwell on the negative about missing his final high school season. He instead focuses on the possibility or his next season.

Listen in to hear about the time Jaxon struck out the great Cayde Stajcar, even if Jaxon does not want to brag about it.

Listen in to hear me incorrectly say that Tommy John was a Met. I must have been thinking of Tom Sever.