Ozark’s scheduled season-opener for tonight has been postponed, but Tigers outfielder Brock Dodd has already passed what was a looming test.
He’s received the final confirmation he sought that he’s fully recovered from a broken left hand he suffered a year ago.
Dodd broke his hand while diving for a fly ball in the outfield.
“At tryouts, a ball was hit short in the outfield and I went to go dive head-first for it,” he said. “I ended up getting my hand caught under me and I landed on it and crushed my hand.”
This year, he’s again hit the ground going after fly balls in pre-season practices, only without incident.
“I've dove a couple times head-first and it hasn't been a problem,” Dodd said. “It definitely was a mental block. But I'm still aggressive catching a fly ball. It's not affected my mindset at all. I'm ready to go.”
Dodd’s broken hand forced him to sit out all of his junior season. He tried to make the best of the situation.
“I was still at every practice and every game supporting the team,” Dodd said. “I was there to support the guys and do anything I could. There was a small chance I would be able to come back. But it didn't heal right and I had to take more time off.
“It was tough to sit out like that,” he added. “I give a lot of credit to the guys for helping me through that and keeping a positive mindset. I'm glad I'm back with them.”
Dodd’s hand was healed in time for him to play summer ball, setting him up for what he hopes is a productive senior season.
“Getting reps in during the summer was great. It helped me prepare for this year,” he said.
Dodd is a converted outfielder after previously being a catcher. He looks to start in left field and hit in the middle of Ozark’s batting lineup.
“I love playing the outfield. It's a great place to be,” he said.
