SJ Sports: Dougherty Pitches in SJ

When he decided to forgo a college career at the University of Maryland and sign with the New York Mets six years ago, Kevin Dougherty probably thought he would be pitching in front of his hometown fans right about now. He is. But not in the venue he originally thought.

The 6-foot-5 lefthander, a two-time All-South Jersey selection when he graduated Eastern High School in 1996, is trying to get his dream of pitching in the majors on track as a member of the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League. "I didn't really expect to end up here," Dougherty said. "Things just happen."

A 25th round pick in the 1996 amateur draft by the Mets, Dougherty looked like he was on his way to being the best later-round draft pick since Mike Piazza. In his first two full seasons with the Mets, Dougherty was one of the top pitchers on the Class A level, winning 21 of his first 24 decisions. However, at the end of the 1998 season, the left arm that had carried him began to betray him. Doctors discovered three different tears — one on his rotator cuff, another in his labia and a third in his bicep tendon. Following the 1998 season, Dougherty had surgery to repair all three tears. He was initially told by doctors in the Mets' organization that he would be throwing in about six months. That was three doctors and three years ago.

"Before the surgery, the doctors told me I would be throwing in six months," Dougherty said. "Then right after the surgery, the said it would be a year-and-a-half." Dougherty, now 24, spent the next three years rehabbing his arm, eventually going on his own to see Dr. Craig Morgan, a Wilmington, Delaware-based orthopedic surgeon. For Dougherty, the third time was the charm. "I came here (to Dr. Morgan) and he had me doing some exercises," Dougherty said. "Within a month, I was throwing again."

Dougherty's saga caught the attention of Riversharks' general manager John Brandt, who took a chance on Dougherty and signed him to a contract. The chance has paid off so far as Dougherty has finished his rehab and made his way into the Sharks' starting rotation. After a nearly four-year layoff, Dougherty returned to the mound June 26, starting the second game of a doubleheader against the Nashua Pride in Nashua, New Hampshire. Dougherty looked a little rusty early, giving up five hits and four runs in four innings of work. However, he did not get the decision as the Riversharks rallied late for the win.

His second start as a Rivershark came on June 30 against the Atlantic City Surf. Dougherty shook off a sluggish first inning to allow just one run and five hits over five innings in Camden's 3-1 victory. It was Dougherty's first win since 1998. "It was great," Dougherty said. "I've pitched in front of family before, but it was always on the road. It was neat having them there for this. Also, it was great to win here because this is a higher level than when I was with the Mets."

While Dougherty continues to make progress, the Riversharks' coaches are keeping a close eye on him. The coaches are limiting him to 80 pitches a game. After pitching 40 2/3 innings, Dougherty was 3-1 with a 5.09 ERA. He had 24 strikeouts and 18 walks. For Dougherty, that's fine — as long as it allows him to stay on track to his goal, reaching the majors. "I gotta keep my ERA down," Dougherty said. "If I do that and improve on my velocity, I think I can keep progressing to the next level."

Who knows? Maybe just one day, he'll get the chance to pitch in front of his hometown fans in the Philadelphia Phillies' new stadium.

Content provided by South Jersey Sports Club.

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Author: SJ Sports Club-Sean Fallon