One moment, Andy Loomis was moving nimbly across an industrial warehouse. Seconds later, he tripped and his right hand grazed a cutting-saw as his 190-pound frame moved to catch his balance.
The 32-year-old warehouse technician from Dyer watched as his amputated pinkie flew across the floor.
Loomis and his co-workers knew the potential loss of his pinkie – the humble fifth finger – could not be taken for granted. The severed finger was put on ice and paramedics rushed to get him to the Hand Center at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago.
Loomis’ mind raced to the days on the pitching mound when every digit was used to twirl the ball to position it for the perfect pitch. His upper ring finger was chopped up, as well.
“I tripped in the wrong place at the wrong time and in a split-second, I thought that my whole life dramatically changed,” recalls the former Minor League and Gary SouthShore RailCats pitcher. “When they took me to St. Catherine Hospital, I really lucked out. Three weeks later, I was back at work.”
After injuries like this, Hand Center therapy is essential to manipulate the fingers in ways that keep the swelling down, prevent stiffness and excessive scar tissue from forming. Treatments include heat, ultrasound, neuromuscular stimulation, splinting and manual exercise.
As a longtime alumnus in the pitching realm, the Triple A player for the Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles (2008-14) knows training is ongoing both on-and-off the field. As it is with many sports injuries, it can take up to two years to achieve full recovery.
“I’m fully aware of how complicated this was going to be,” he says. “I’m very pleased with the outcome.”
Now as a master pitching coach at Dave Griffin’s Baseball School in Griffith, Loomis practices that philosophy with his students.
“Fortunately, I’m a left handed pitcher,” Loomis says, so the ability to pass on my tips on the best way to throw a slider and other fastball tricks to students hasn’t been sidetracked.
The Hand Center of St. Catherine Hospital offers expert care from hand-to-shoulder of traumatic injuries and chronic conditions. To learn more, visit https://www.comhs.org/services/therapy-services/outpatient-therapy-services/hand-therapy
