Pitcher who almost died wants to get on with life

KENTFIELD

In Gunnar Sandberg's perfect world, it's time for the world to go away. No more radio, television or newspaper interviews. No more I-saw-you-on-ESPN. No more stares when he is walking down the street.

"I know why they are looking, but I keep walking," Sandberg said.

It's not that he is unfriendly or bitter. He just wants to get on with his life. He's 17 and he would like to think, before it's over, he will leave more of an imprint than The Kid Pitcher Who Almost Died.

"I know this whole thing will never leave me," Sandberg said with some resignation. Circumstance insured that. On March 11, 2010, Sandberg, pitching for Marin Catholic, was hit on the right side of his head by a line drive off the bat of De La Salle's Zac Byers. Sandberg spent three weeks on a ventilator, in a medical-induced coma. A portion of his skull was removed to alleviate pressure, re-attached 10 weeks later. Prayers were said. Vigils were held. Those first weeks were dicey. No one was quite sure of the outcome.

"The last two days," wrote Sandberg's sister, Kalli, in an on-line journal March 22, "have shown us that glimmer of hope we needed."

So Tuesday, in the office of Marin Catholic manager Tim Grayson, I could think of only one way to begin the interview.

"Congratulations," I said.

Sandberg nodded. He is unfailingly polite, respectful. His ability to remember is a bit sketchy. But Sandberg is all there. And if his identity has to be tied to March 11, 2010, he might as well make the most of it. He advocates for a pitcher's helmet developed by Easton-Bell.

To date, he has convinced only one of his teammates, pitcher Al Geraldi, to wear it. He admits the machismo code of baseball hinders widespread acceptance.

Still, it's quite comfortable, lighter than a batting helmet, and if 3/10/11 is to remain with him, then he'll promote the pitcher's helmet, even if all he gets out of it right now are courteous listeners.

"Everything starts off small," he said, "before it gets big."

Cleared by doctors to play, Sandberg wanted to pitch again. Grayson denied the request. How about third base then? No. Shortstop? No. He will be the team's designated hitter. It's not what he wants but, then again, Sandberg does have what he values most. He revealed it by answering a question.

"You were on &‘Outside The Lines' on ESPN. You threw out the first pitch at a Giants-A's game. You were on the radio, television, in newspaper stories. So what was the highlight as you recovered?"

"Just seeing my teammates again," Sandberg said.

That comment won't make screaming headlines. That's fine with Sandberg. He's not in this to become an American Idol.

He became an inspiration, quite literally, by accident. To him, that's not the big deal. The big deal, he's back with the guys. That people see him more than that, well, there are worst things in life.

Gunnar could tell you about that and he will. But you'll have to ask him first.

For more North Bay sports, go to Bob Padecky's blog at padecky.blogs.pressdemocrat.com. You can reach Staff Columnist Bob Padecky at 521-5223 or bob.padecky@pressdemocrat.com.