Berken back on hill for Clemson ready return

CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson ace Jason Berken wasn't sure what was harder last season - watching Clemson struggle early while he rehabbed his elbow injury or seeing the young Tigers pull off a second-half revival and soar into the NCAA super regionals.

Berken expected to play a large role in Clemson's rotation last spring. However, reconstructive surgery in June 2004 to fix a torn ligament in his right elbow shut him down for the entire season.

Berken, voted a team captain despite the injury, offered encouragement to the young, untested Tigers. During Clemson's late surge that brought it a game away from the College World Series, Berken desperately longed for the competition.

"At the beginning of the year, I didn't know how to handle it because I had never gone through anything like this before," Berken said. "At the end of the year, they were playing phenomenal, I wanted to be with them, be part of the team."

That's not a problem this season. Berken has the green light to turn it loose, and he's ready to hit opponents with a mid-90s fastball and an improved assortment of offspeed stuff developed out of doctor's orders not to throw too hard too soon.

Berken is eager to return after nearly two years away from the game he's played all his life.

"My dad said, 'Are you going to be nervous?' I'm not nervous, I'm just anxious. I've done this a thousand times," he said. "I'm not worried about going out there and failing ... I've put myself in a great position."

Berken could help the Tigers get somewhere they want most - the College World Series.

Clemson starts the season with a three-game set against James Madison from Feb. 17-19 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Berken expects to see action and has about 10 to 20 family members traveling down from their Wisconsin home to watch.

Clemson coach Jack Leggett said Berken handled the layoff well, helping when he could and concentrating on 2006.

"It was tough for him not to play, it was tough for him not to compete last year," Leggett said. "Now, it's time for him to put all that hard work to use and I think he's ready to do that."

Berken was on his way to a stellar 2004 season when he felt pain in pitching forearm. Tests did not immediately reveal the torn ligament and Berken was counseled to pitch when he could. Berken would rest for a few days, then go out and throw over 90 mph to start. "By the fourth inning, it was down to 82," Berken said, realizing something was wrong.

Still, Berken finished with a team-leading 2.53 ERA in his 10 starts.

Finally, Berken went to noted sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who discovered a tear and scheduled immediate surgery.

One of Berken's strengths, Leggett says, is the fire he brings to teammates. The Tigers made sure to keep that well-stoked throughout the long rehab process, third baseman Herman Demmink said.

Players would call Berken before and after games, keep him updated on Tiger news and guarantee Berken felt as connected to the baseball team, Demmink said.

"Knowing that we're going to have somebody with heart, playing as hard as he can, gives us a little more motivation," Demmink said.

Berken could've been a key extra arm in the three-game NCAA super regional at Baylor, where the Tigers won the first game of the series then lost the next two.

Berken says his arm now recovers better than before.

All that's left is for Berken to throw that first game pitch.

"The biggest thing is just getting in front of the crowd again, getting that first pitch under my belt," he said. "From there, I should roll."