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A pitcher’s toughest rehab assignment

Lake Braddock senior Nick Balenger, a pitcher on the Bruins’ 2012 state championship team, suffered a spinal injury following a freak accident while on vacation with his family in Hawaii in July. He’s currently undergoing acute rehabilitation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network in Northwest Washington.

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Nick Balenger was the No. 3 pitcher for the Lake Braddock baseball team last spring. The Bruins won the Virginia AAA title, and Balenger was expected to be their top pitcher this spring.

Courtesy of Steve Balenger / COURTESY OF STEVE BALENGER

Nick Balenger (center) poses with his best friends, Nick McIntyre and Mitch Spille, at the hospital in Maui following his July 25th accident. Balenger misjudged the depth of the water while somersaulting into a wave in the Pacific Ocean. He hit sand and dislocated his C4 and C5 vertabrae.

Nick Balenger (center) poses with his best friends, Nick McIntyre and Mitch Spille, at the hospital in Maui following his July 25th accident. Balenger misjudged the depth of the water while somersaulting into a wave in the Pacific Ocean. He hit sand and dislocated his C4 and C5 vertabrae.

Courtesy of Steve Balenger / COURTESY OF STEVE BALENGER

Nick Balenger is seen by Dr. Fabiolla Siqueira, center, as Tinotenda Mogekwu, RN, stands by in his room at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network in Northwest Washington.

Nick Balenger is seen by Dr. Fabiolla Siqueira, center, as Tinotenda Mogekwu, RN, stands by in his room at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network in Northwest Washington.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger will remain at the rehab center indefinitely. He recently regained limited motion in the fingers on his throwing hand; he can move two fingers on his left hand.

Nick Balenger will remain at the rehab center indefinitely. He recently regained limited motion in the fingers on his throwing hand; he can move two fingers on his left hand.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger does physical therapy with the help of physical therapist Lauren Russell, left, and physical therapist intern Karen Roda, right, as Nick's father Steve looks on.

Nick Balenger does physical therapy with the help of physical therapist Lauren Russell, left, and physical therapist intern Karen Roda, right, as Nick's father Steve looks on.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

The baseball jersey of Nick Balenger, which is signed by all his teammates, hangs in his room along with other gifts and cards at the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

The baseball jersey of Nick Balenger, which is signed by all his teammates, hangs in his room along with other gifts and cards at the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger sports a baseball bracelet given to him by an aunt who lives in New Hampshire. The high school senior spends his days trying to re-teach his muscles simple movements. He also works with a tutor and hopes to return to Lake Braddock by November.

Nick Balenger sports a baseball bracelet given to him by an aunt who lives in New Hampshire. The high school senior spends his days trying to re-teach his muscles simple movements. He also works with a tutor and hopes to return to Lake Braddock by November.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger, center, does group physical therapy using a Wii version of Michael Jackson music videos with, from left to right, recreational therapist Elizabeth Thrush, occupational therapist Amanda Summers, occupational therapist Larry Issadore, and patient Paul Tibbs.

Nick Balenger, center, does group physical therapy using a Wii version of Michael Jackson music videos with, from left to right, recreational therapist Elizabeth Thrush, occupational therapist Amanda Summers, occupational therapist Larry Issadore, and patient Paul Tibbs.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger's room at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network is decorated with notes and signs from friends and classmates. When he arrived at the center in mid-August, nearly 80 Lake Braddock students and parents greeted him.

Nick Balenger's room at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network is decorated with notes and signs from friends and classmates. When he arrived at the center in mid-August, nearly 80 Lake Braddock students and parents greeted him.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

Nick Balenger gets a kiss from his father as Steve Balenger prepares to leave the hospital on Sept. 11.

Nick Balenger gets a kiss from his father as Steve Balenger prepares to leave the hospital on Sept. 11.

Jahi Chikwendiu / WASHINGTON POST

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