Former Yankees pitcher Ethan Carnes is earning his degree from Texas A&M after he decided to take time off from baseball in the fall of 2017 following an elbow injury.
The university studies architecture senior, now 26 years old, grew up in an Aggie family but decided to focus on pursuing a career in baseball. His journey through the sports world has included time at Texarkana College and Howard College, Division I baseball, independent baseball and even international stints in Italy and Canada.
When playing in Italy, he injured his elbow and had to undergo Tommy John surgery, in which a healthy tendon was removed and used to replace a torn arm ligament.
“I’m kind of working it out to where if it all works out perfectly, I’ll be healed up, have my degree, try out for baseball one more time,” Ethan said. “If it doesn’t work out, I can start my career and the next chapter in my life.”
He said even though he is still getting used to not playing sports, he is happy with his new life as an ordinary student.
“I’m definitely enjoying not having to wake up at 5 a.m. for weights,” Ethan said. “In the back of my mind, I’m always missing the game of baseball. If you’re a true baseball player, you’re always going to miss it no matter how old you get.”
James Conway, Ethan’s grandfather and Class of 1961, said he knew Ethan was special when he began playing tee-ball.
“The things he did were just natural,” James Conway said. “He had an arm. He could throw. He had speed. He could bat. He was doing home runs at an early age. I knew he was destined for greater things.”
Austin Carnes, Ethan’s brother and Class of 2010, said his brother’s discipline has helped him move through obstacles in the past.
“He’s very grounded in his faith,” Austin said. “He knows what’s important in life, and he knows that baseball first starts out as a passion, and then it becomes a game. For a select few, it becomes a financial means of employment. I think his love for the game has kept him going.”
Conway, Ethan’s third cousin and Class of 1974, said Ethan’s strong moral character sets him apart from many baseball players. Conway said Ethan is capable of accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to.
“Being at A&M is something that he aspired to,” Clayton Conway said. “He wasn’t sure if he would get to go there as far as his baseball career was concerned. I think Texas A&M will play a big role in accomplishing his goals.”
Ethan has been coaching the sons of family friend Kyle Gordley, Class of 1998.
“They just really respond to him because he has a great way of expressing himself and expressing his love for the game,” Gordley said. “It’s really cool to be around him, especially in a baseball setting, more so than any coach I’ve ever been around.”
Currently, Ethan has plans to become a project manager in the construction industry and open a business with his brother. However, he said he is still itching to get back on a baseball field.
“I know I still got some left in the tank to maybe throw again off the mound,” Ethan said. “If it’s God’s purpose for me to pitch again, I’m gonna do it. If I feel like it’s not, I’m gonna see where he takes me in the next chapter of my life.”