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IMAGE: U-M infielder Ako Thomas attempts a bunt during a June 3 game against the University of North Carolina. Photo: Michigan Athletics
Ako Thomas felt a sharp pain shoot through his hand as he swung at an outside pitch.
The University of Michigan infielder ignored the discomfort and advanced to first base.
But Thomas’ hand soon began to swell, so he left the field.
A CT Scan later revealed a broken bone in his hand, and Thomas had surgery a couple days later. His season was in jeopardy.
Enter Ellen Arruda. The Maria Comninou Collegiate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, who is developing a football helmet to better protect athletes from concussion, created a specialized batting glove for Thomas so that he could return to play without serious pain.
