As part of his rehabilitation, a tutor visited his home. By late October, he had returned to school for one class a few days a week. School officials reasoned that by attending school a few hours a day, Panhorst could more easily readjust. Little did they realize, though, how their plan might jeopardize his baseball career. Recognizing that the 2000 baseball season would be out of reach, Panhorst and his coach focused on the 2001 campaign.
Schilling recalls Panhorst attending open-gym sessions, trying to get back into shape.
Academically, he also was pushing himself, taking three classes during the second semester. Having regained only limited motion on the left side of his body, Panhorst had difficulty catching but pressed on in rehabilitation. During baseball season, he served as an honorary captain, assisting the team's young pitchers and catchers. He accompanied the team on its spring trip to Florida. Last April, he received parental permission and clearance from doctors to pitch batting practice once a week for 10 minutes.