Despite leaving for two years after his freshman season before returning for senior year, Don Flannery’s upbeat personality has left a mark in the Alamo Heights baseball program. Even dealing with Tommy John Surgery, one of the toughest surgeries in sports, Flannery always has a smile on his face and keeps the dugout lively and involved in the game.
Flannery hopes to next year begin serving his country while also playing baseball at West Point, but before that, he sat down to talk about what Tommy John Surgery is like, how he enjoys Alamo Heights after seeing different perspectives and who his dream meal would involve.
Before continuing on, I’d like to mention that after three years, this is my last Senior Spotlight article as an Alamo Heights Mule! It’s been an incredible honor getting to know each and every senior for the past three years. There’s more to these guys beyond the baseball diamond, so it’s truly a pleasure learning about their lives. It’s also a joy to give each senior the credit they deserve after four long years of tireless work and effort on and off the field. A special thank you goes to Head Coach Jason Thompson for allowing me to take this opportunity on full steam ahead, and thank you to everyone who has read and shared these interviews. I write for others to enjoy! As for what may be next, stay tuned…
When did you start playing baseball?
I started playing when I was five. I think it was t-ball. I was playing in Houston when my dad was a coach. We were pretty good back then.
You left Alamo Heights for Fredericksburg after freshman year. Why did you move?
My parents want a slower pace of living and we love the hill country, and we are planning on moving back out there afterwards. Once our house sells, I’m sure we will make the jump back to Fredericksburg.
Was it weird coming back to Alamo Heights after you had left?
Honestly, I thought it was going to be really weird, but it was super chill. I got to hang out with all my friends. I kind of fit right back in really easily, so that was nice.
Why did you come back for your senior year?
Well pretty much because our house never sold and it was too much to be living in two places.
When did you make varsity in high school?
Technically this year here, but in Fredericksburg I started my sophomore year.
What’s the biggest difference between Fredericksburg and Alamo Heights when it comes to baseball?
As a team in Fredericksburg we were like crazy stacked. We had nine guys committed to go play in college. That was pretty crazy, but the main difference here is the practices are way more serious. I love this group of guys we’ve got too.
What makes Alamo Heights as a school and neighborhood unique compared to some of the other places you’ve been?
I would say the competitiveness of everyone, especially in class rank, everyone wants to be top of the squad.
What has been your favorite memory with Alamo Heights baseball in the years you’ve been here?
My freshman year, I was on junior varsity A, and me and my brother were on the same team. Whenever one of us would make an error, Coach Davis would stop the game, and we would trade gloves and run across and switch from like short to first or third to first. That was really fun. Freshman year was crazy.
What was it like playing with your brother?
I got to do it for three years, so it was pretty fun, but there was always that huge competitive part in our family because I’m obviously the better brother. I just always have to let him know that.
How do you think he felt playing with his little brother?
He was probably like, ‘Wow, I wish I was as good as him.’
What is your next step after high school?
I’m hoping to go play baseball at West Point, but I’ve got to wait for all my medical stuff to pass. That’s the plan as of now.
What has it been like going through Tommy John Surgery?
It sucks, let me tell you. So I’ve been feeling my best in the summer. There have been a bunch of scouts watching me. I’m trying to outdo myself and all of a sudden I feel a pop and just felt like everything was over, but then West Point helped everything. They got me to a good doctor, but it’s been a real long recovery let me tell you something. It was rough, but it’s getting a lot better.
What’s your timetable for return to full strength?
I actually started throwing the baseball two weeks ago, but it’s like 50%, so it’s not really throwing, but it’s definitely nice to get my arm back in action. I’ll be fully better on August 28th, because that’s when I got my surgery, and it’s a year to a year-and-a-half of recovery time, but I’m hoping everything looks good.
Does this experience make you admire pro players who seemingly go through these injuries like it’s no issue? It almost seems like an everyday thing at this point.
I definitely would not recommend to get the surgery if you don’t need it. Supposedly I’m supposed to be better than ever when I get back, so that’s good stuff. There’s days when it feels great, and there’s days when I don’t even want to pick up my phone, so definitely for them getting back to their full capability is crazy.
Is there any pitcher you try to be like when healthy?
I know this is weird, but I don’t really like watching baseball. I think it’s really boring, but I grew up in Houston so I love the Astros. I mean Justin Verlander, he’s got a pretty cute wife too, so he’s a great guy.
What makes you like playing baseball but not watching?
If you play you just like know that it’s so much better. After my sophomore year I kinda saw it as something I needed to do because I wanted to use my baseball to get me the best education possible, so I think it’s done a pretty good job, but we’ll see.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
This is kinda confusing: I always step on the line, even though that’s something most people are like ‘No, don’t do that.’ That’s like the number one superstition, but I’m always on it.
Is there a reason?
I just did it one time and thought I was kind of a rebel and I kept it going.
What’s your go-to song before a game?
I’m going to have to go with “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson. It’s a great one. My walk-up song is “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. Another good one.
How about if you had to sing any song karaoke right now that you know the words to, which would you choose?
I know a bunch, but I’m going to have to go with “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson.
You’ve got a Kelly Clarkson thing going? Are you an American Idol fan?
No. When I was younger, she was the only artist I had on my phone because my mom, I don’t know, she just bought those songs, and she just kept it going through the years.
Who is your favorite sports team outside of baseball?
I mean, I have to say the Spurs. I’ve grown up in Houston and San Antonio, and the Spurs are definitely my team.
What’s your favorite television show?
I think the greatest show that I’ve seen so far is Breaking Bad, but I like Friends. I just got into The Office. I hated the first season, but starting from the second season, I love it. It’s a great show.
What’s your dream job outside of baseball?
Honestly I have no clue. I just want to be loaded. I just want to make a lot of bank, and whatever I do, I hope to like it. We’ll see.
If you were stranded on an island with one person, who would you choose and why?
Definitely Jesus. You know, he knows the ways. We’d have a great time.
If you could have dinner with three people, past or present, who would they be and why? What would you eat?
I’ve been thinking about this question for a while. I’m going to have to go with Jesus, Yeezus, which is Kanye [West], and Kelly Clarkson. We would have sushi, chips and queso and that’s it.
How would that conversation go?
It would start just talking to Jesus about everything, trying to be a better man, and then after that get some music going.
If you had to tell the world one thing about yourself, what would you say?
Save the best for last.
EXCELLENT ARTICLE!!