Adam Bender
May 31, 2008 by Charles Bertram
Filed under Charles Bertram, Photographers, Sports, Videos
Adam Bender, 8, is one of several kids who plays catcher in Southeastern’s rookie league at Veterans Park. What makes Adam stand out 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 one. Adam doesn’t use a prosthesis, and only uses crutches when he reaches base for the Astros. Charles Bertram | Staff READ THE STORY
UPDATE: Since the story of 8-year old cancer survivor Adam Bender was published in the Lexington Herald-Leader, and on www.kentucky.com, on June 1, 2008, the one-legged catcher has been invited to throw out first pitches at a Chicago White Sox game, a Cincinnati Reds game, a Houston Astros game, and has been invited to a Garth Brooks benefit in Las Vegas. He is also being profiled for a story that will air on ESPN. On Sunday June 6, 2008, Adam threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Adam Dunn of the Reds.
I am an amputee myself(above the knee) as well……I give this kid sooooooo much props. on his achievments…WOW…he is great with 1 leg ,alot better then i can do, i better push myself harder obviously…I only lost my leg 2 yrs. ago!!!
Brian, never say never should be your motto. There is nothing that you can’t do - just put your mind to it. When the doctors told me I couldn’t do something - my parents would say - mark our words she’ll have done that just because you told her she couldn’t. I did, just so I could tell them na na na I did it. Just stand up - and say oh ya - yes I can. (don’t take offense to my statement above - you can still stand - even if you had no legs you always can stand- hold your head high) Judy
It makes me weep when I see the horrible things that the medical establishment is doing to the people around the world.
Like saving peoples lives? Damn medical establishmnet, the nerve! Im sure the boy would have rather died with two legs than live with one.
Think before you talk.
You’re a jerk! You insensitive blow hard!
Tobin, you sure have an “I’m the top of the world & no one can compete with me” attitude. It’s a darn good thing that dim-wits like you aren’t in the medical profession. Even a quadrapalegic can have a productive life.
You seem to be the Neo-Nazi-only-the-perfect should survive kind.
How dare you speak like that for someone else before talking with them, & their families?
A friend of mine lost a leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident; the lady driver never even saw him: So he should have died, rather than get a prosthetic?
Oh ye of little knowledge.
And a lady I went to grade & high school with who was born missing her right arm from the elbow down? Should people like Obama’s folks condemn her to death, simply because she wasn’t born “perfect?” Perfect by whose standards?
You need to look in the mirror: certainly you have some disformity that you aren’t facing, whether it be intelligence, looks, physical or mental problems.
As was said by a wise person: look in the mirror & judge yourself before you judge another. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
My bet is you cannot do any of the above.
May God bless you, & forgive your lack of compassion & understanding.
Gena M.,
It was clear that Tobin was using a thing called sarcasm… They were saying how ridiculous Challen’s comment was. Try to understand things before you go on a tangent. I am not trying to sound like a jerk, i completely agree with everything you said, but it was in a manner that was unfair to Gena.
It makes me weep, too! ….in awe, with inspiration and gratefulness that we can save lives like Adam Bender, who is a beautiful example of the human spirit. “That” establishment is not perfect, but without it we wouldn’t have Adam to inspire us. What possibly causes a person to leave that kind of statement.
You are amazing! End of story..
Challen…people like you deserve to be in his position… the hospital may have taken his leg but I am sure it was to stop the spread of cancer…
Adam is an amazing young man!. Every boy and girl throughout the world should read this article and watch the story. What an extraordinary young man!
This is such an inspirational video, words can not express the emotions that I felt watching this young boy work so hard to be the best that he can be!!!
My hope is that other children can learn to see that anything is possible if you are willing to try!
what a great story. a boy with the gift that did not give up. i wish other kids would have that spirit he has. i was a cacther when i was young playing ball. i would love to meet or talk to this boy on the phone. keep it up buuddy. we love you for this fritz schneider
Adam is a true inspiration. In this tough economy, there are a lot of people that have gotten down on themselves. They have lost their drive, their motivation. Look to this 8 year-old phenom to see that you can accomplish anything if you believe in yourself.
Go get em, Adam!
Everyone needs inspiration everyday, Adam is being the inspiration and changing lives without him knowing it. What a gift!
from Jackie; I am an amputee also, cancer was the cause I lost my leg, but with the help of God me and Adam can succeed, and I want to say Adam is my hero.
God bless this kid, that was one of the most amazing things ive ever seen. Its just so awesome!
I am in tears. What a Kid!!!! The parents of this child must be absolutely in awe of him. If you read my post please give your son a kiss and tell him that he has inspired a 42 year old woman in Tampa Florida to go for anything she wants. Adam you are unbelievable and may God Bless you because you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
Thank you.
woooww!!!!!!! this kid is amazing!!!!! i play softball and i doubt i could ever play with 1 leg like that.. this kid is amazing!!!!
Adam, You are one brave little boy. I say, “Go get em tiger”.
I think Adam is a really strong and wonderful kid. His parents and coaches are really loving people. I thought everyone treated him just like everyone else, which is what he obviously wants. To see Adam do what he did is something I hope my grandchildren cand do and all the kids should live from his fine example. I don’t know him, but I am proud of him. Tkhank you for showing the Vidio of Adam. Those of us who feell sorry for ourselves about trivial things, should take Adams strenth and will power and follow his fine example. My best wishes for Adam, his aprents and coaches for being there for him. Also all the people at the game. God bless all of you.
If 2% of the human race had 1/2 the heart of this little guy, can you imagine how much more of a wonderful world this would be??? Also… MAJOR KUDOS to whom ever are his parents /guardians! Keep up the GREAT WORK! Brother Adam should be a major inspiration to us ALL! May you reap all of the blessings God has to offer!
EVERY MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO WATCH THIS VIDEO.
Such a joy to see a child so much in love with life/ Thank you for sharing this wonderful child with us. So much we can learn from him.. Gods Blessings on your family
way to go lil man, u brought a tear to my eye and i’m sure i wount be the only girl you’ll make cry i bet your gonna be a hart breaker some day go get em kid! best of luck to you!!