AUSTIN - Any doubts about 2018 RHP Blake Helton coming back from an injury can be dismissed.

The Lake Travis senior threw a no-hitter this week in his first time on the mound for the Cavaliers in nearly a year.

“I’ve been ready to get out and show what I’ve been working on,” explained the 6-5 180-pound right-hander. “It felt good to get that no-hitter. I did walk a guy, that was the difference between a perfect game, but I picked him off so it was okay.”

Helton was sitting at 88, just two miles per hour less than his velo prior to getting hurt.

“My bicep tendon attached to the labrum was pulling,” Helton said. “It was misdiagnosed for a long time. Physical therapy wasn’t doing anything for me. Once it was diagnosed correctly it was a quick recovery.”

That came at the end of junior year and by summer’s close Helton was pitching again.

But college interest had disappeared for the most part. Several Division 1 schools had shown interest and he had even received an offer from one.

“I missed being on the field, I felt left behind,” admitted Helton. “I felt I was getting overlooked (by colleges) but I tried to stay positive, work out and come back my senior year and hopefully get an opportunity.”

Getting back on the field was difficult once given the medical green light at the end of summer.

“It definitely was a little scary at first, but I knew I would be better with all that I learned about taking care of my arm,” Helton said.

In October, Helton was sitting 85 at the PBR All-State Games, and was named to the Top Prospect List from that event. That continues to rise.

“Putting velocity back on is big,” Helton noted.

But there is more the Lake Travis pitcher is working on to improve.

“I’m working on locating all of my pitches,” Helton explained. “I’m working on my offspeed and trying to gain velocity. I’m doing a lot of Driveline stuff and lifting very hard.”

College interest in the 136th-rated player in the state is coming back, though it is not where it was sophomore year.

Helton has been offered a roster spot by one Big 12 school since returning to the mound, but he continues to wait on hearing from more colleges while weighing all the options.

“All of them that have talked to me know about the injury,” Helton said. “Right now it’s about showing them that I’m healthy and that I know how to take care of the arm and that it won’t happen again. Colleges want to make sure this is not a recurring thing.”

What Helton desires is an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.

“I’ve thought about playing college baseball for a long time,” Helton said. “I grew up watching Texas games and dreamed of playing for UT. That’s what I wanted when I was little and then dreamed of playing in the pros.”

Years later, it seemed closer to reality than a dream.

“I always played up on select teams but wasn’t aware of my talent for pitching until my freshman year,” Helton explained. “That’s when coaches told me I showed promise for the next level and if I worked and wanted it I could make it a reality.”

Unfortunately, the injury put a detour into those plans.

“I still believe I have options at every level, I just have to figure out what is best for me,” Helton said. “People will notice me during the season and, hopefully, some place will fit me with the right coaches and academics.”

Helton is hoping the hard work he has put in - as evident by the recent no-hitter - pays off.

“I’d like to get back to hitting 90, my biggest problem is I have to gain some weight to help gain velocity,” continued Helton, a 4.0 student on a weighted scale who is considering business as a major. “I think a program with a nutrition and strength program would really help me excel in baseball and improve.”

But for now, Helton focuses on helping out his high school team that is off to a 5-0 start and ranked third in the state.

“I’ll keep playing through the season and see what comes my way,” Helton said. “If I start getting offers, I’ll see what to do when the time comes.”

 

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