When Albuquerque Academy second baseman/catcher Alex Bregman broke his finger on March 12, he thought his season was over. Doctors told New Mexico's single-season home run leader he would need surgery to repair the tip of his right middle finger, which would likely wipe out the remainder of his season.

So, when Bregman found out on May 8 that he would be able to return for his team's playoff push, he was ecstatic.

"I was jumping up and down, I was just so excited," Bregman said. "I was just so excited I could help my team any way I can to win the state championship."

Albuquerque Academy has the possibility for three games left. They play May 10 in the state quarterfinals against Farmington High. If they win that game, the semifinals are on May 11 with the final game scheduled for May 12 at Isotopes Park.

Bregman, who is committed to Louisiana State, was able to practice with his teammates on May 9 and things went well. He took infield and outfield and batting practice. Out of 50 swings, Bregman hit 20 balls out of the park. New Mexico high schools are using wood bats this year.

Bregman will play center field on May 10. If the Chargers win, Bregman will catch in the team's final two games.

In his two-month layoff from baseball, Bregman had to find other ways to fill his time.

"It wasn't all bad," Bregman said. "I ran a 6.6 (second) 60 (yard dash) the last time I ran out here because that's all I've been able to do is work on my speed. So I've been just crushing that out. I'm trying to get a little faster so I have more than one tool."