Getting Back Into the Game After Testicular Fracture

July 8, 2008— -- When Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder suffered a fractured left testicle from a foul ball during a June 30 game, a nation of male sports fans crossed its legs in sympathy.

Indeed, many were surprised to learn, just days later, that Snyder's injury would not require surgery and that he would be on the disabled list for a scant 15 days.

But while most of the attention has been on Snyder's physical recovery, he could face some mental hurdles when it comes to taking his position behind the plate and putting himself once again in harm's way.

Few people are as familiar with this concept than D.J. St. James of San Rasael, Calif.

St. James was a freshman wrestler competing at a high school tournament six years ago. During one match, he was performing a single leg takedown on his opponent when he sustained a sudden and surprising injury.

"When he fell down, his foot came up between my legs," St. James said. "His foot exploded my testicle."

St. James didn't realize the extent of his injury at first. He finished the match with a victory. But the seriousness of the situation soon hit.

"After I walked off the mat, I fell to the ground when I felt the pain," he recalled. "I can't describe how much it hurt. ... It swelled up bigger than my fist."

St. James experienced a testicular rupture. Surgeons would later be forced to remove two-thirds of his left testicle. And though St. James, now 20, said he still participates in club wrestling at his university, the experience is still fresh in his mind.

So when he saw the replayed footage of Snyder's injury, he could empathize.

"I think I was the only one who could watch it without screaming," St. James said. "I told the people I was with, 'Yes, I've been there.'"

Most professional athletes are no stranger to injuries -- even ones as shocking as the one that befell Snyder, 27. But when it comes to mentally processing the pain of a testicular fracture, individual athletes may differ when it comes to how quickly they're ready to return to the field.