The Catcher With One Leg

Do you remember playing sports as a child? Sports memories are some of the happiest of my life. Playing catch with my father, being on a football team, ribbons for track events, getting picked early for teams, and learning to do a double axel on roller skates all make me smile. I am a big proponent of all children getting regular activity and participating in sports. This is the time that nearly everyone can participate regardless of skill level. I remember feeling invincible as a child. If I had to run, hit, skate, swim, surf, climb, navigate, strategize, or ride to compete – I was in!

I recently came across a story about a remarkable young athlete. What is really great is that his parents let him play the games that he wants to play and don’t try to shelter him. Adam Bender’s mother was quoted in a HoustonChronicle.com story as saying:

"I was a little hesitant when we first brought him up here for baseball," Michelle said. "I thought his spirit might be crushed if he got out every time. Then I thought, who am I to micromanage his feelings? He's going to have to learn how to deal with this stuff."

In addition, she told MercuryNews.com that:

"The more I shelter him, the more he'll think, 'I'm fragile.' I don't think I'll ever tell him he can't do something."

What makes Adam Bender notable? When he was only a year old he was diagnosed with cancer and had to have one of his legs amputated. He now plays catcher for his little league team. Also, the young athlete has played soccer for a couple of years and YMCA flag football. ESPN recently flashed a picture about him, which is how I caught wind of the one-legged catcher.

Adam Bender’s story is quite inspiring and a great example of determination. Sports stories like this are definitely my favorite! Remember Adam next time you think you can’t do that extra 10 minutes on the treadmill.


Today in Baseball History

1966 - The New York Mets pass up Reggie Jackson to draft Steve Chilcott at number one.

1982 - Steve Garvey plays in his 1,000th consecutive game but goes 0-for-4 in a 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Garvey's streak is the fifth longest in major league history.


Today's Baseball Birthdays

1947 - Thurman Munson

1977 - Odalis Perez
(Interestingly, Odalis' birthday is listed as today in 1977 and 1978 as well as June 11, 1977. We'll go ahead and count him as being born sometime this week and send him our well-wishes!)