The thought of being a major league prospect once seemed a distant dream for Jason Nicholas.

He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to throw a baseball again with the same prowess he had before a devastating injury in May of 2006.

Now a junior in college, Nicholas had a World Series appearance under his belt and is entertaining offers from pro teams.

During the final district game of his high school career at Warrenton, the left-handed pitcher tore ligaments in his elbow.

Determined to keep his career intact, Nicholas underwent Tommy John surgery and appeared to be on the road to a full recovery.

“It took eight months before I could start throwing again,” said Nicholas. “It felt good the whole time, and I was going to therapy three times a week.”

Nicholas was anxious to get back in uniform after redshirting as a freshman at Meramec Community Colllege. After a grueling wait, he finally got his turn on the mound again during the spring of 2008.

“Having to sit and watch my freshman year was one of the hardest things,” said Nicholas. “It made me want to work harder and get back on the field.”

But following a relief appearance, Nicholas’ elbow started to flare up again. He began to fear the worst.

“I went back to the doctor again, and that scared me,” said Nicholas. “I had my doubts and kind of thought I was done.”

The injury turned out to be less serious than expected — just a bout with tendonitis. Nicholas returned to the field after a plasma injection and four weeks of rest.

Relieved just to be back on the mound, Nicholas never imagined the opportunities that awaited.

During his second season of eligibility in 2009, Nicholas made 16 appearances and carried a team-best ERA of 4.66. He struck out 61 batters through 56 innings of work.

Nicholas’ resume was impressive enough to draw attention from  Division II scouts. Georgia College and State University coach Tom Carty says his connections in the St. Louis area highly recommended Nicholas.

The Warren County native says he couldn’t turn down a full scholarship offer from the Division II program. 

“I had always heard it was good to play in the south,” said Nicholas. “I was looking to go play at a four-year school. The Tommy John (injury) had hurt my D-I eligibility, so I could only go D-II or NAIA.”

Nicholas signed on to become a Bobcat and member of the Peach Belt Conference.

“I went for a visit, and it felt right from the moment I stepped on the field,” said Nicholas. “At first it was hard being far away from home and not knowing anybody down here.”

When he arrived, there was still plenty to improve on.

“From a physical standpoint, he dropped 10-15 pounds,” said Carty. “Controlling his delivery was something we worked on from the get-go. He never lacked the power of a good fastball.”

But Nicholas was optimistic and the coaching staff exhibited patience.

“At first I didn’t do the best,” said Nicholas. “I left the ball up and was getting hit around a bit.”

About 20 games into the 2010 campaign, his delivery began to improve.

“In mid-March he came in for a long relief appearance and showed he was ready to start,” said Carty.

As the season unfolded, Nicholas found himself starting for one of the most successful programs at the Division II level.

GCSU embarked on a nine-game winning streak in early April. By the end of the regular season, they were clicking on all cylinders. 

With Nicholas in command of the mound, the Bobcats cruised into the postseason. They won four straight Southeast Regional games, including a 5-0 shutout Nicholas engineered against Columbus State.

GCSU qualified for the Division II World Series in Cary, N.C., ultimately finishing third in the nation.

“Until this year my confidence has been a little down,” said Nicholas. “Getting to the World Series this year helped me regain my confidence and mental stability.”

Facing the threat of elimination, the Bobcats turned to Nicholas, who kept the run alive with a 2-1 victory over Tampa during the second game of the World Series.

“He had a dominating performance on the biggest stage we have in D-II,” said Carty. “Hopefully he can come back and be our No. 1 pitcher.”

GSCU also beat Central Missouri before eventually losing to Southern Indiana.

Nicholas ended up making 15 appearances, working up an ERA of 4.33. He finished 7-2 through 11 starts, striking out 72 batters.

“Jay has pretty good velocity on his fast ball,” said Carty. “He’s a very prototypical left-handed pitcher ... Once he gains command, he’s as good as they get.”

With one more year of eligibility remaining, he is determined to lock down the top job in 2011. Nicholas says temptation from major league teams did not lure him away.

“I want to come back and prove myself,” said Nicholas. “I’ve built a lot of trust between myself and the coaches. By the end of the season, I had become one of the top pitchers.”

The Oakland Athletics called to voice interest and make a small monetary offer, but Nicholas says he is focused on finishing school. He is savoring every moment of a career that nearly ended four seasons ago.

“Being able to play in the World Series boosted my confidence,” said Nicholas. “After all I’ve been through, it’s good to know that my dream is still alive.”