My buddy and fellow coach Roger Ley sent me yet another email that contained an inspirational story that once again supports my belief that every American blooded little boy wants to play baseball.

Author Bertram shares a story about 8 year old Adam Bender, one of several kids who plays catcher in Southeastern’s rookie league at Veterans Park in Kentucky. What makes Adam stand out as a youth baseball player is that he plays one of the toughest positions on the field with only one leg. Because of cancer, he had his left leg amputated when he was only 1 year old. Adam doesn’t use a prosthesis, and only uses crutches when he reaches base.

As I watched the video of Adam playing with my son Blake, I immediately pointed out a few things to him that I thought was more important than the obvious of playing the game and a tough position with only 1 leg. First off he was the dirtiest player on his team as well as on the field meaning he leaves it all on the field. Playing catcher he is not afraid of leadership. This is also proven at the end of the game when shaking hands with the opponents and he drops his right walking cane to shake hands respectfully. He has the respect of his teammates because they were right behind him to pick him up after he dropped it. What a powerful display of respect for the game and sportsmanship.

We’ll never know the reasons Adam enjoys playing baseball as they are personal ownerships, but one thing is for certain, Adam has provided yet one more peg in the growing journey of baseball and life for me and my son.

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