Charles Burrell will think twice again about sliding or diving.

Since his freshman year, Burrell has dealt with a series of injuries to his left shoulder due to sliding into a bag or diving back into one. He had just 11 at-bats last season.

It has been an unusual ride of perseverance for Burrell.

“My initial injury was in the fall of my freshman year,” recalled Burrell. “I dislocated my left shoulder diving back to the base on a pickoff attempt and rehabbed for about six weeks.

“Then in the spring, we were doing drills at practice and I dove back to first and dislocated the same shoulder. This time I needed surgery, and I was out the rest of spring and fall of my sophomore year. I was great after my surgery until early in April when I slid feet first into second, but my left arm dragged on the ground and my shoulder dislocated again.”

This season, Burrell worked his way back into the Konkrete Kids’ lineup as a designated hitter and pitcher. At one point he was hitting .353 with 11 RBIs and had thrown some innings as the regular season drew to a close. His first game back this season was April 28 after he injured the shoulder April 8.

Burrell feels confident, but he will be careful with his sliding.

“I had a couple of sessions of rehab, but now I’m released and hopefully won’t need surgery,” said Burrell. “I’ve been easing back into the lineup pitching and pinch hitting.

“I really just wanted to work on being able to swing the bat. At the same time, I needed to get over my hesitation of sliding again. As soon as I get a chance, I am going to make sure I slide, feet first, every chance I get.”

Manager Mick Sugra has felt for his senior after he reinjured his shoulder in early April.

“It’s a shame because he is a senior, and he was having a good year,” said Sugra. “He has some mobility issues, but we have been trying to work him back at least at the plate as a designated hitter and as a reliever on the mound.

“Charlie is one of our hardest workers and senior leaders we have. He was playing a solid first base for us.”

Burrell began playing the game at an early age, and he understood the game in a different fashion in middle school.

“I actually started baseball around 3-years-old,” said Burrell. “My parents signed me up for a baseball league called Lil’ Rookies. We would hit off a tee and run the bases.

“I felt comfortable around the age of 12. I was catching and pitching most of the time. I learned to be a smart batter and base runner and that is when I really see my skills improve.”

Burrell has seen some time this season for the Legion team as well. He’s played in seven games and has 23 at bats. He’s slashing .261/.393/.697 as well. He has a double and six RBIs in those games as well as seven runs scored as the Legion regular season winds down.

Whatever happens, Burrell knows his baseball career will end this summer. He plans to attend Colorado School of Mines and major in mining. He has appreciated the support of his father, David, who has been a guiding force.

“My dad has had the biggest influence on my career,” said Burrell. “He has always supported me and helped me get through tough seasons.

“After Legion baseball this summer, my baseball career will be ending. However, I will always carry the friendships, memories, and lessons throughout my entire life.”