By GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Bob Webber didn't need a doctor to tell him something had gone drastically wrong.

The former Cony High School pitcher had just completed his sophomore year at Husson College and was working the fifth inning of his first game in the summer Bay League when the pain arrived.

"I threw one pitch and it just felt like my elbow exploded because the tendons tore," Webber said.

Because it took a long time to diagnose his injury, Webber didn't undergo surgery until last May 11 when doctors used a tendon from his forearm to replace the torn one in his elbow. He missed his junior year entirely, but is back on the mound this spring and effective, if not at full strength.

"He's our No. 1 pitcher," Husson coach John Winkin said. "He had two fine outings down south."

On the team's spring trip to Florida, Webber allowed one run in each of his two outings, getting a no decision in the first while allowing two hits over six innings and getting the win in the second.

"My arm felt better," said Webber, who began throwing again in early February. "I'm not throwing my fastball as hard right now."

Webber has always found a way to win. He went 10-0 his senior year at Cony and 8-1 in the ensuing American Legion season. In lieu of his fastball, he's relied on other pitches early this season.

"My curve ball and my splitter were working unbelievable, better than they were before," Webber said.

Webber's strong suit has always been his control, an ability to throw any pitch in any count, and a toughness all good pitchers need to be successful.

"He's ferocious when he gets out there," Winkin said. "He just competes." The Eagles have played well under Winkin, who got his 1,000th career win last season, most of those coming at the University of Maine. But they struggled down south, going just 2-11, a fact Winkin attributes to illness.

"We had the flu run right through us," Winkin said. "When you're sick you don't play well."

Webber thinks the Eagles will bounce back when they open their North Atlantic Conference schedule. He's scheduled to pitch against the University of Maine at Farmington a week from Saturday.

"I think we're going to do well," he said. "We just didn't get any breaks (down south)."

Because of his injury, Webber was granted a medical redshirt last season, which means he has another year of eligibility. He's scheduled to graduate this spring, but could use that extra year if he continues his schooling.

"I might go for my Masters in business," he said.

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com