The pitcher who survived a life-threatening dinner accident
In short: In July 2024, professional baseball pitcher Dustin May faced a crisis far more dangerous than any opponent on the mound. A simple bite of lettuce nearly cost him his life, leading to emergency surgery for an esophageal tear and a harrowing realization about the importance of having someone by your side.
Dustin May, a 6-foot-6 professional pitcher, has navigated a career defined by both elite velocity and significant physical setbacks. Born on September 6, 1997, May rose to prominence with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned a World Series ring in 2020. During that season, he became the youngest Dodgers Opening Day starter since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981, notably recording a four-seam fastball average of 99.1 mph—the fastest in the major leagues that year. The Dodgers initially selected him during the 2016 MLB draft's third round. Before going pro, he intended to compete in college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
However, his career has been marked by a series of injuries, including a torn UCL in 2021 and a flexor tendon injury in 2023 that required surgery. These physical challenges were compounded by a near-fatal accident in July 2024. While having dinner with his wife, Amelia "Millie" Trautner, May began choking on a piece of lettuce. Realizing the severity of the situation, he sought emergency medical attention, where surgeons repaired a tear in his esophagus. The medical emergency occurred after he had already undergone Tommy John surgery once before. This incident ultimately forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
May described the incident as a life-or-death situation, noting that had he been alone, he might not have survived. Following his recovery, he continued his journey through Major League Baseball, playing for the Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox, and the St. Louis Cardinals. By June 2026, he achieved a career milestone by pitching a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres, completing his first ever complete game. His professional journey has included stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He even achieved a career milestone by throwing a shutout on 101 pitches.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dustin May
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