April 26, 2013, was a tough day for Chase Lambert. Malibu High’s hard-hitting shortstop and occasional pitcher heard a pop as he walked a batter against league foe Santa Rosa. “It didn’t feel good,” said Lambert. “I knew something wasn’t right.”
It was later determined that Lambert, the Frontier League’s 2012-13 Most Valuable Player, suffered a slight tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
“When I found out what it was, I was so bummed, obviously,” Lambert said. “But I had to accept it and move forward.”
Lambert continued to play as a designated hitter through the next six games as the Sharks notched a school-record 24 wins and won their first league title since 2005. Surgery was performed on July 3 and the outlook on his upcoming senior season was questionable at best.
Fast forward nearly seven months, and the outlook has brightened considerably.
On Saturday, Lambert made his way to home plate to face live pitching for the first time since Malibu was eliminated from the CIF playoffs in 2013.
Facing off against Kennedy High School of Granada Hills in a winter league competition called the Valley Invitational Baseball League (VIBL), Lambert grounded out in his first at-bat but made strong contact with the ball. While insignificant in the win/loss column, Saturday’s game felt significant in the big picture for both Lambert and the baseball program.
“I was nervous but excited at the same time. It was a great feeling to be able to play with my team again,” Lambert said. “I’ve been itching trying to come back and being at every game. I’ve always wanted to get out there but I’ve had to take it slowly. I’m just focusing on getting my body back in shape and I feel like I’m on my way to where I was.”
“Where he was” was pretty darn good. A year ago, Lambert hit a team-best .454 with 44 hits, 31 runs, 19 RBIs and 13 doubles en route to being named the MVP of the Frontier League and an All-CIF selection. On the mound, Lambert served as the team’s closer, going 3-0 with a 0.79 era, eight saves, 50 strikeouts, eight walks and allowed only eight hits in 26 2/3 innings pitched.
Malibu coach Ari Jacobs has been closely monitoring his team’s progress during the winter and fall in the VIBL, which features games on Saturdays ranging from nine to 12 innings.
During the next six weeks, Jacobs will focus on finalizing his starting pitching rotation as well as establishing his position players. Having Lambert return to the lineup as a designated hitter was a victory in itself for the team.
“It was great. That was another marker no matter how things went today. Chase is back,” Jacobs said emphatically. “It’s a slow recovery period for him but he’s back getting some at-bats. He’s on the comeback trail which is very nice.”
Lambert was recently cleared to hit in game action but not to play in the infield or pitch. He has begun to field ground balls in practice and hopes to play shortstop or second base by the time the season rolls around.
Lambert’s patience has been tested throughout the duration of his rehabilitation and watching games from the dugout. His leadership and attitude has never wavered.
“Don’t doubt yourself,” he said. “Keep your head high and you got to push through everything. There’s going to be adversity in your life and it’s how you deal with it.”
Having a healthy Lambert in the lineup means everything to the team. The Sharks will be the favorites to win league again this year.
Senior ace Noah Simon, who threw three effective innings against Kennedy, said the team feels confident heading into the 2014 season. Seeing Lambert back on the field provided an extra boost.
“It’s definitely exciting for the program,”
Simon said. “Seeing him go out there and make contact is big, especially with all the hard work he’s been through. I’m happy to see him back in the lineup. It pumped me up big time.”