Carson Back in Swing of Things

Every spring since he was 5, former Notre Dame High first baseman Glen Carson played baseball until he encountered an opponent that he “would not wish upon my worst enemy.”

During his senior year at Nevada, Carson was baffled at the sudden deterioration of his body. He suffered weight loss, diarrhea and severe stomach pain.

A disease with no known cure--Crohn’s disease--was attacking his intestines.

On New Year’s Eve of 1996, after his weight dropped from 215 pounds to 160, he underwent surgery to remove 10 inches of his inflamed intestine and part of his colon.

“He saw everything he worked for disassemble in front of his face,” said his best friend, former Notre Dame shortstop Ryan Stromsborg.

Carson was forced to redshirt last season at Nevada. He went to practice, attended games and led the team in prayers while waiting patiently for his return to the game he loved.

It happened last summer. On the first pitch he saw, Carson hit a home run.

“It was awesome,” he said. “There was always those doubts, ‘Can I come back?’ I got chills. It gave me the boost, ‘Hey, what I used to be able to do, I could do.’ ”

Today in Malibu, the 22-year-old Carson hopes to make his official return for the Wolfpack against Pepperdine after the teams were rained out Saturday. Carson, 6 feet 4 and 220 pounds, is the starting first baseman.

“It’s like my final hurrah,” he said. “At least I can say I’ve given it my all, I’ve given 110%, I’ve battled through some things. There’s no pressure. What the heck? At least I’m healthy and playing the game. This is the strongest I’ve ever been.”

In 1996, after transferring from USC, Carson hit .351 with 10 home runs and 60 runs batted in.

That fall, he started vomiting and losing weight. On Halloween, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

“It was a sad, scary time,” Stromsborg said.

Carson takes 20 pills a day as treatment for the disease.

“It’s one of those things they have no idea how you acquire it or how to get rid of it,” Carson said. “At least one day a week, I have the worst stomach pains anywhere. You just have to put it out of your mind. You never know if it’s going to be a good day or a bad day. If it’s a good day, thank God.”

Carson’s parents, Linda and Chuck, have offered continuous support through each step of their son’s ordeal. They admire his determination and positive attitude.

“It’s kind of like you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, so he’s living each day to its fullest,” Linda said.

In 1993, Carson was part of a special group of Notre Dame senior athletes. He played on a Southern Section championship basketball team and a baseball team that reached the semifinals.

Among his classmates were Monte Marcaccini, now a basketball player at Virginia; Tom Stillwell, a volleyball player at UCLA; Craig Johnson, a basketball player at Santa Clara, and Stromsborg, a shortstop in the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization.

Carson has refused to let his illness prematurely end his college career.

“There’s always doubts,” he said. “Any injury, any surgery, you never know what’s going to happen. I just learned you can never let anything get you down. Whatever you’re mentally strong enough to do, you’ll do.”. . .

The rain a couple weeks ago was good news for Hart High quarterback Kyle Boller. A broken collarbone would have prevented him from competing in the NFL Air-It-Out four-on-four flag football competition.

But rain forced the event to be rescheduled for Feb. 21-22. Boller will be able to play, providing an early look at one of the region’s top quarterbacks for 1998.

Alemany Coach Jim Bonds, a former quarterback at Hart and UCLA, also hopes to play in the Air-It-Out. Of course, he’s a little out of shape, but he has a month to train. . . .

Wide receiver-defensive back Russell Thomas of Newbury Park has decided to walk on at UCLA. . . .

Come this spring, one stop for college football coaches will be at Kennedy High, where tight end Matt Garnas figures to receive close scrutiny. He’s 6-3 and runs a 4.5 40, according to assistant coach Fred Grimes. “He’s a player to watch,” Grimes said. . . .

Notre Dame is searching for an opponent for its football opener this fall. Here’s the good news for interested opponents: Justin Fargas will be gone. . . .

Glendale College outfielder John Campanella, a former Crespi star, has twice turned down leads in school plays because of baseball. He’s got acting in his blood, though. His father, Joseph, has been an actor for 48 years. . . .

At a dinner honoring the founding members of the Professional Baseball Scouts of Southern California, former Dodger manager Tom Lasorda offered this observation: “Scouts are the unsung heroes of our game.” . . .

Former Notre Dame pitcher Jack McDowell, hoping to make a comeback after missing most of the 1997 major-league season because of an elbow injury, threw for scouts in private workouts at Stanford and Long Beach State this week. He reached 88 mph, according to his brother, Jim. “It gave the clubs a better idea where’s he’s at,” Jim said. . . .

El Camino Real High wrestler Keith Thomas underwent reconstructive knee surgery in October after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during a football game. Twelve weeks later, he was back wrestling. He could win the City title at 145 pounds.

Eric Sondheimer’s local column appears Wednesday and Sunday. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422.