HINCKLEY – Cory Bradburn never would have experienced milestone athletic moments had he followed doctor’s orders.

Three years ago, the senior pitcher on the Hinckley-Big Rock baseball team was struck in the head by a line drive while pitching post-game batting practice at his house on the eve of a game with Somonauk.

Bradburn had a brain hemorrhage, his skull fractured in three places and no hearing in his right ear. After 13 nights in a Rockford hospital – and a series of grim prognoses – Bradburn was told to not play baseball until at least college, if ever again.