COMEBACK KID

Bret Saberhagen won 25 games for the Boston Red Sox in 1998-99 after missing nearly two seasons because of shoulder injuries, astonishing everyone from major league scouts to general managers.

Everyone, that is, except those familiar with his exploits at Cleveland High in 1982.

Saberhagen, a rail-thin 6-foot-1 18-year-old, injured his arm during basketball season by hanging on the rim after making a layup. Improper conditioning aggravated the injury and Saberhagen spent much of the season parked at first base.

Massages by a chiropractor eventually healed the injury and Cleveland began to roll, winning 17 of its last 18 games to reach the City Section final at Dodger Stadium.

Saberhagen was at full strength by the playoffs. In the second round, he beat Grant, 6-0. A few days later in the semifinals Cleveland fell behind Banning, 5-0, in the first inning. Saberhagen came on in relief and Cleveland rallied to win, 7-6.

The final was even more memorable--perhaps the most memorable game in City history.

Saberhagen pitched a no-hitter in a 13-0 victory over Palisades. The second batter of the game reached base on an error. No one else did.

“I remember how hard Bret was throwing that night and how much confidence he had,” said Glen Newhouse, the Cleveland catcher. “It was the hardest I had ever felt him throw. His fastball was clocked at 92, 93 mph. He was on that night.”

Saberhagen, a 19th-round draft choice of the Kansas City Royals after finishing 10-0 with a 1.65 earned-run average, signed within weeks of the final.

His ascent was rapid. At 19, he was the youngest player in Royals history, winning 10 games in 1984. The next year he was 20-6, the World Series most valuable player and the youngest pitcher in the American League to win the Cy Young Award.

But he didn’t forget Cleveland, hosting a golf tournament every year as a fund-raiser.

“I run into [former teammates] periodically,” Saberhagen said. “There were a lot of close friends, a lot of memorable experiences growing up and playing ball together--and ending up with the championship.”

Saberhagen’s best season came in 1989 when he was 23-6 with a 2.16 earned-run average. He won another Cy Young Award and led the Royals to the World Series championship.

Injuries limited his effectiveness throughout the 1990s and the 15 games he won in ’98 was his highest total since ’89.

“Coming back from an injury is something I take a lot of pride in,” Saberhagen said. “When I’m healthy and ready to throw, I like to feel the team has confidence in me to go out there and get a win.”

True in ’82. Still true today.