Illinois State Pitcher Trey Krause Beat Cancer, Made His First NCAA Start And Struck Out The First Batter He Faced

Really cool moment here for Illinois State's Trey Krause. He was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma in February 2020 and had no clue if he'd play baseball again. Well yesterday he made his debut on the mound and just happened to strike out the first batter he saw in an NCAA game. What an awesome comeback for the third year freshman. He had to have part of his femur removed, went through rehab and eventually was declared cancer free and in remission. 

He took the mound for the first time on Tuesday vs UT Martin and that right there is a win. He struck out the first batter he faced, walked two, gave up one run, and one hit in his one inning of work in the Red Birds 6-1 win.. Just the fact that he made it back is amazing. We've seen some awesome stories like this recently, mainly Trey Mancini last season, and they don't get old. These athletes not only beating cancer but retuning to the diamond really is great. Not very often does a third year freshman get much publicity for his first start, but this is a special case. Not only did he kick cancer's ass, he came out firing on the mound. Have to think his adrenaline was going wild, probably was super nervous, but what a cool moment for Krause. He's a story you want to keep up with during the season, would love to see them let him go deep into games and get a win. Comeback Player Of The Year in NCAA baseball is already picked, everyone else is playing for second. Hope Krause got to keep that ball too, that is one he'll want to hang on to. Trey Krause is an absolute legend and he's only made one start.