Ware's Broken Leg Sparks Painful Memories For Ventura
(CBS) When Louisville's Kevin Ware tragically broke his leg during Saturday's Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, White Sox manager Robin Ventura knew exactly what was going through the sophomore's mind.
In 1997, Ventura suffered a gruesome broken ankle with the White Sox during Spring Training while sliding into home plate. His ankle not only broke, it completely dislocated and was seen dangling from his leg.
"You feel for him," Ventura told the Tribune Wednesday morning. "Few people can sit and see an injury or have something happen like that. I know what's going through his head. I think the recovery is the hard part, being able to get your mind around making your way back. He's pretty young, so I think that is in his favor. Again, your heart goes out to him for what he's going through."
Though most thought the White Sox's skipper would miss the entire season, he returned to action in July of that year.
"For (Ware,) it'll be different because he'll have a full year, or nine months, to be able to do it," Ventura said. "I chose to do it quicker. Whether that was good or bad, I don't know. At that point, I could do what I needed to do. I didn't feel normal probably for a full year after."
