Danny Farquhar throws out first pitch as miraculous recovery from brain aneurysm continues

Chicago White Sox reliever Danny Farquhar made a triumphant return to Guaranteed Rate Field Friday night just six weeks after suffering a life-threatening brain aneurysm.

Flanked by his family and the medical personnel who responded quickly and worked together seamlessly to save his life, Farquhar received a hero’s welcome as he walked to the pitcher’s mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s 8-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers.

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Naturally, he fired a perfect strike.

The 31-year-old right-hander is considered a walking miracle after he was cleared by doctors to make Friday’s appearance. The emotional moment served as a milestone in a recovery that has wowed medical professionals.

The road to recovery

It was one of the most frightening scenes we’ve ever seen play out at a Major League Baseball game. Seconds after recording the final out of the sixth inning on April 20, Farquhar was in a battle for his life after collapsing in the home dugout at Guaranteed Rate Field.

It wasn’t until the day following Farquhar’s collapse that we learned the seriousness of his condition. He was reportedly stable, but critical after doctors performed surgery to relief swelling in the brain.

The reality then dawned on everybody that had Farquhar’s medical episode happened anywhere else, at any other time, the outcome could have been vastly different.

The White Sox training and medical staff, the medical personnel at Guaranteed Rate Field, the EMTs who transported Farquhar, and the doctors and nurses who treated him at Rush University Medical Center did an amazing job. Not only was Farquhar’s life saved, but their quick actions undoubtedly contributed to his recovery.

Six weeks later, his recovery has already progressed to the point where he’s realistically eyeing a return to baseball.

Farquhar opens up on recovery

Farquhar spoke publicly about his recovery for the first time during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Friday morning.

“I had a few doctors call me a miracle and tell me how lucky I am to be as functional as I am,” Farquhar said during the segment.

Farquhar says he’s cleared to resume baseball activities

Farquhar also says he’s been “completely cleared to do anything,” which includes getting back to throwing a baseball and beginning training for a return to the field.

It will be a slow process. The White Sox have already ruled out the possibility of Farquhar returning during the 2018 season. But just the fact that Farquhar feels strong enough to get back to work and doctors are confident enough to allow it, speaks to just how remarkable his recovery has been.

Friday night was definitely a milestone, but the hope is it will only be one small step in his comeback story.

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