Former Kansas City Royals right handed pitcher Luke Hochevar held onto the hope that he would return to baseball and be able to pitch again. Two years ago, Hochevar underwent thoracic outlet surgery as means of alleviating pain in his neck and shoulder.
He discovered last year that he would never be able to pitch again without pain. He made his return to Kauffman Stadium to throw out a ceremonial first pitch in celebration of 50 years of the franchise.
Though he was hoping for a comeback, he realized that it was not worth the pain to continue pitching.