Jackson practices baseball with 'Bows

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two months after surgery to replace a damaged heart valve, outfielder Nate Jackson worked out with the University of Hawai'i baseball yesterday at Les Murakami Stadium.

Jackson said he was cleared by his and UH's doctors to practice. However, he has yet to be clear-ed to play in games until certain NCAA issues are resolved, Jackson said. UH opens its season Feb. 7 against UCLA.

Yesterday's workout was the most strenuous activity Jackson has had since the Nov. 21 surgery to replace a damaged heart valve caused by a bacterial infection. He said he previously had done some walking and "slight" jogging.

Yesterday, he "tried to do every drill to the best that I could just to see how my body would hold up. It held up pretty good, actually. I know I'm going to feel it tomorrow when I wake up, but that comes with the territory."

UH coach Mike Trapasso said Jackson will be allowed to work at his own pace.

Jackson played baseball in 2000 and 2001 and in three games last year before leaving the team to prepare for the NFL draft. He played his final season for the football team in 2001.