Kyle Lazer’s college career seemed to hit a dead end in the spring of 2022 when a torn ulnar collateral ligament forced him out of the West Chester University baseball team’s decisive Super Regional game.
A Storybook Ending
The surgery, known as Tommy John, set his recovery timeline at eight months, a period during which he balanced physical rehab with the mental toll of watching his teammates from the sidelines.
When he finally returned to the mound, Lazer quickly proved that the setback had sharpened his command, posting an 8‑1 record, a 3.72 ERA and even delivering his first career shutout.
His teammate Julian Costa, also a fifth‑year senior, shares the same redshirt timeline, and together they have become the anchors of a pitching staff that has surged to the No. 1 seed in the Division II championship.
Coach Mike La Rosa has repeatedly pointed out that the injury forced Lazer to refine his pitches, turning a raw talent into a more polished arm, and he believes the pair are poised for a storybook ending to their collegiate careers.
The upcoming championship will pit West Chester against a field that includes teams from across the nation, and the narrative of two seniors chasing a final triumph has already captured the imagination of fans and alumni alike.