3 of the Most Powerful Words in Sports. Doctor. James. Andrews.
By Cecilio's Scribe on Aug 06, 2008 with Comments 0
We wrote about this last October, but, with the recent Joba news, it deserves repeating. Sh*t, it ain’t plagiarizing if you’re copying your own stuff. Right?
So, last fall we were clamoring on about how Doc needed to be on BusinessWeek’s list of top 100 most influential folks in sports. We were partly trying to be funny, but, sort of like not so much.
Here’s a quiz. Name the head of the USTA. OK, how about the President of ESPN? Head of the PGA? 0-for-3? We would be, too. But ask us the most renowned shoulder doc in these here U-nited States for any primetime athlete, and I am telling you without hesitation — unequivocally — that’s it’s the legendary Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve never met the man and couldn’t tell you a lick about his resume (OK, that would be a lie), but I know he can damn well tidy up a torn ACL or rotator cuff in a New York minute.
Forget about draft picks, prospects and advance scouting, every year at least one professional franchise is pinning their expectations for a season on Dr. J. Does my stud pitcher need to shut it down? Does our feature back need re-constructive surgery? Can it wait? What are the consequences? In the world of professional sports, Dr. Andrews is a wise, cherubic Southern Buddha. All-knowing and, sometimes, all-powerful, his Miyagi-like skills can resuscitate dreams or cripple them.
He can be the answer to a team’s prayers, or a confirmation that prayer may be the only remaining option. The numbers from last September’s ESPN article are staggering. Over 4,000 surgeries. 2,500 Tommy John procedures. And how about the veritable who’s who of stars that have passed through his doors – whether for consultation or construction. With names like Aikman, Jordan, Iverson, Nicklaus and Smith (Emmitt), Andrews could erect his own wall-of-fame that could rival any politician or famous restauranteur in America.
And he shows no signs of slowing down. Quarterback Alex Smith. Dr. Andrews. Joba Chamberlain. Dr. Andrews. It doesn’t matter. The man is everywhere. So what’s our point? We’re not sure. It just seemed like something that needed to be said.
Until later. We’re going to go to bed or something. In the meantime, Dr. J will be saving a few careers.
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