Adam Bender, Best Little-Leaguer On One Leg, and a Darn Good Player, Period
by Treadmarkz,
Not long ago, I wrote a little bit about how I couldn’t play little league as a kid being in a wheelchair, so instead I became completely and totally engrossed in baseball history, lore and statistics. I just want to say that this kid Adam Bender has made me regret that I never demanded a tryout. I even wanted to be a catcher just like him, thinking it would be easiest for me. I don’t know if that is true, but it is working for Bender, who was born with cancer in his leg and had to have it amputated.
You can see from the video above that he is not just given a chance because he is disabled. He plays his position and he can leg out a double and slide into second base with plenty of time to spare. And that, after only pausing to grab a set of crutches when he hits first base. And the crutches are necessary only because he refuses to wear a prosthesis.
Already I am seeing shades of the memorable if not great career of Jim Abbott, the one-armed pitcher for the California Angels, who inspired me so much in the late 80s and early 90s.
Leaving Treadmarkz Across the Universe 
This is truly an inspirational young athlete! I am always happy to hear of people like Adam that do what they love in spite of what others may think.
Apryl DeLancey
June 6, 2008 at 10:08 PM
STOP EVERYTHING!
Why has not one medical expert informed this young man what damage he is doing to his good leg, specifically his knee.
I am living testimony (now 54) that you cannot put one limb through years of abuse (via sports/hopping etc) and not expect your good leg to completely give out. I lost my leg at 21 and in no time was doing almost everything I did before my accident. I was the only guy on the block to could hop around the house and not spill one drop of hot coffee on me or the floor. On the water skiis the next summer and on and on.
Everyone that I was great, but not one person brought it to my attention what damage this constant hopping was doing to my good knee.
Will someone stop praising this young man and inform him the real damage he is doing and will pay for in his later years. Just as I am now!
Blessings and Gratitude,
PMorgan
KCKS
Phillip Morgan
June 10, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Thanks for your comment Phillip. It is easy to get all fired up about a story like this because you just feel so good for the kid, but I am happy to receive a comment which comes at this story from a different perspective. Of course it is great to have your first hand experience for people to learn from.
I’d like you to tell us more about the problems that developed with your knee, if you would. But as for Bender, I think he is just being a kid, for now.
treadmarkz
June 10, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I “LOVE” new perspectives and your blog is never short on those – especially for walkies like myself.
Your stories and the back and forth present in your comments are loaded with them. Not sure how to respond to Phillips comments but it is excellent food for thought.
Thanks to the both of you,
Corey
ckoehler
June 11, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Phillip, I’m sorry, but this kid is my hero…and he obviously loves playing from watching the video. I understand where you are coming from but why stop praising him? He should have the opportunity to play a sport like everyone else, regardless of the damage it could do to him. Sports are the best thing in the world. I’m not expecting an answer to this question, but do you have any regrets of doing all the things you used to before you lost your leg (other than the damage it did to your good leg)? I’m only 15, so maybe I’m just being ignorant. But what I do know is that if I ever had something like this happen to me, I would try my hardest to get back into the game again. Suffering the consequences later in life is nothing compared to the regret I would have if I did nothing at all.
Alyssa
June 12, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Hey Guys! My Name is Andrew and I have the same problem I was born without my left leg but I play soccer very well…you know i can understand Adam…because when I play soccer i feel normal i feel very good…(although some people laugh at me and stuff). But sometimes I feel bad because people just call me freak or say they pity me and you know they put me down! I don’t know what to do but I thing God sent me like this for a purpose which I know ill find out soon! Music is my Passion and i HOPE I CAN BECOME A VERY FAMOUS SINGER and i can prove people we can do this! even though we are handicapped. I am 16 years old and I hope i ful fill my dreams! Thank you
Andrew
August 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM