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.
If this child is not enough to inspire us, I don’t know what would….I need to watch this one everyday and stop complaining……….
THIS IS ONE AWESOME YOUNG MAN AND I KNOW THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO COME FROM THIS OUTSTANDING KID LOTS OF LOVE AND BEST WISHES AND I WILL SEE YOU IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE SO SAVE ME A TICKET !!!!!
Hats off to this awesome kid, his parents and all those who have supported him.
What he has achieved at this age would make several of us feel humbled and wanting to strive for more. I sincerely wish for a great and amazing future for Adam Bender. He would remain a lifetime inspiration for me.
Next time my 10 year old daughter complains about the scrap on her knee from sliding on her 10U fast pitch softball team I’ll show her this video over and over.
Rock on, Adam, you got Game!
What a stud! He is a bigger man than any I have ever known. All those around him should get a pat on the back for encouraging him in life. Inspirational.
I am a 68 year old with an amputated right leg. I lost it 5 years ago. This is probably the most inspiring thing I have ever seen. This young man is amazing
and I thank God for him. I pray that he will continue to amaze people with his
accomplishments. ON TO THE MAJORS!!!
This is so inspiring. Makes me realize how blessed I am with my healthy family. I’m sure that if we all would have the same drive as this little boy we would enjoy life a lot more! God Bless Him!
Holy Jesus that was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.
If more people in this country was determined as adam to ecell in life we would have a betet place to live,PS Fantastic
THAT IS NICE TO C. NOTHING CAN HOLD US BACK AND NOTHING CAN STOP HIM FROM BEING WHO HE WANT TO BE IN LIFE. HE HAVE A LONG AND FRUITFUL LIFE IN FRONT OF HIM. I AM PROUD OF HIM AND HE WILL DO WELL IN THE YEARS TO COME.
Perseverance – noun : steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Adam Bender-> Thanks for reminding everyone that adversity is overcome with inspiring perseverance!
This is a true sense of determination that Adam has. His committment is amazing we need to take this and impower our children of this world to be more determined and dedicated to excellence in everything that they do. He is amazing in every way!
This is amazing! I don’t even know this kid and I am so proud of him AND his family! You know they played a roll in his ability to over come and not let life’s challenges stand in his way. You go boy!
Dude this kid is pretty cool, just doin his thing playin ball…..ain’t nothin stoppin him from doin what he wants to do. Get ‘em bro…Maybe you’ll be playin for the Red Sox one day…that would be awsome
I had a stroke when I was 30, after labor. I have all my limbs. What am I complaining about!!!
If half of the people in the world had that much heart and pride, it would be a much better world. Anyone who complains should watch this and feel ashamed. What a beautiful child and family.
I’m speechless, and for those who know me, know that truly speaks volumes. There are some people in this world, that I truly believe are put her for a purpose. This young man has and will continue to inspire those of us who think “it’s all about us” or “why me”. I commend this young man and his courage – and also his parents/family for encouragement, love and support. God Bless you Adam, and those like you who inspire me every day.
Adam, I’m so Blessed to see a young man as you doing what you love. Never give up !! My prayers are with you & your family. Everyone should have as much strength, drive & the ability to never quit no matter what life throws them.May God always shine on you. You are a true inspiration!!
That is amazing. Shows that if you want something you can have it no matter what!!!
Adam – I have a grandchild with C.F., and I just can not wait for her to see your video. You and “L” would make a great team. Keep up the enthusiasm. God bless our children.
I only wish my son could have held on a little longer. Long enough to see that like this young boy, things can be overcome
I see Adam as an awesome baseball player, not as an amputee baseball player. Adam apparently has long ago gotten over that he has a disability. He sees himself as a normal 8 y.o. baseball player .. and that IS just what he is.
God has blessed him with courage to move on and make the best of his situation. We ALL could learn a lot from him.
Keep the hits coming Adam .. you’re awesome!!!
Go ASTRO’S!!!!
i just have amen amen amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. keep up the good work, you one great champ!
Adam,
You are AMAZING!!! I sent your clip to everyone on my son’s baseball team……. you are all HEART. Whatever you do, you will succeed. I wish I had half of your determination. YOU ARE AN AWESOME INSPIRATION!
How wonderful, I sat here and wanted to cry, but instead felt such joy for Adam.
What heart & determination, all of us could use a good dose of. that.
I have 2 boys that played baseball through high school and have always loved wiffleball. They enter tournaments and play wiffleball at ages 27 & 32. Something brothers can enjoy together. Now they have a new collection of tropheys.
How proud must his parents be, obviously, they have done a terrific job raising their son, congratulations Mom & Dad
Best of Luck Adam
congratulations young man you have have more courage than people ten times your size. i know your father and mother are very proud.
Good fortune to you,
Wow!!!!! That is all I can say
You GO ADAM !!!
I saw your clip and am very amazed. NO! Proud of you, not only as a fellow ball player, but also as a child who has over come alot.
KEEP IT UP! GOD BLESS!
From Austin,Texas
Some things in life simply transcend words. I have watched the video 5 times this morning and forwarded to friends and family around the world. Also on that list, the public relations office of the Houston Astros….I am tempted to say Adam exhibits what it truly means to be an “Astro” but it is far more appropriate to say he exhibits what it means to be Adam Bender. Never quit kid….you are an inspiration in more ways than you will ever know. Bravo to your parents.
Austin, Texas
All I’ve got to say is the Astros are lucky to have Adam on their team.What an inspiration for all.
All I can say is you go get ‘em Adam!!!! I know what it is like to overcome a “physical challenge!” I lost most of the use of my left arm to a firearm accident. I still hunt, fish, I played softball, batting one-handed. One can acheive anything they want, you just have to get to living. Too many sit around and feel sorry for themselves, those that have no “physical challenges” just the ones they make for themselves. Once again, Adam…… you the man!!! Keep up the great work.
Stephen Jones
Adam, you are truly amazing………………………good job buddy!
Adam you are a star. If only there were more people in the world like you instead of the whingers and moaners we see everyday. You will accomplish great things I feel, nothing can stop you doing whatever you want in life. Good luck and you truly are an inspiration. Well done.
Marion Hitchin UK
This remarkable young man confirms that indeed teachers come in all shapes and sizes. It’s not what you have, but what you have in the heart that counts.
Amazzzzing young man
I am humbled by this young man’s courage and belief to “never give up” !! He obviously is one tough cookie. I applaud and admire his ferocious spirit, YOU GO ADAM!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely, Wesley Wood
This young man proves to the world that our only handicap is in what we believe we can’t do. Amazing child, I can’t imagine how proud his parents must be. They also deserve praise for raising such a strong, confident child in spite of the hand he was dealt. God Bless you all!
Adam you are the toughest, bravest kid I have ever seen. You Rock!!!! God Bless your parents, you have one great family. Even though I don’t know you I am SOOOOOOO proud to have seen you play baseball. What A CHAMP!!!!!
Incredible. Just incredible. IMO, people like this are put on the earth to serve as an example as to how life should be lived.
Best of luck to you Mr. Bender, you’ve already beat the odds.
ahhhooosome adam is an ionspiration for ALL!!! & all the imbeciles in “professional sports” who are so ego driven & the poorest role models for our youth need to watch this video again & again!!!
always dream~~~dare~~~dive ahhhooosome adam & all innocent children!!!
& may ALL LIVE from HEART & SPIRIT INSTEAD OF ego!!!
:):)
you’ll NEVER walk alone, john ireland in chicago
:):)
Way to go Adam!
my deepest respect dear adam.
This boy is a inspiration… BUT will you please tell me WHY he does not have
a prosthesis??????
Every coach should show this video to his players when they don’t feel like practicing or are playing at less than 100%. Inspiring.
WOW!! How amazing! My son plays baseball and I love it and to sit and watch this special child play with all his heart is amazing. God Bless YOU!! Your an inspiration.
God bless you, Adam, and if you are as determined in life as you are in baseball, your name will appear many more times in the ranks of the superstars. You are an inspiration to us who haven’t yet stepped out of the box.
Adam, You are AWESOME!!! Please keep this video up to inspire other cancer victims and amputees. We lost our son to cancer two years ago. He also had his left leg amputated (hemipelvectomy). He was 28 years old. He was extremely athletic and the despair he felt after his amputation was devastating. He did live long enough to learn to get around on one leg but not as well as Adam does. If we had been able to see someone like Adam getting around so well it would have meant everything to my son. God bless you for your strength and courage. You are a true hero and inspiration.
WOW, what a kid, what an inspiration for others. With desire like that he’ll accomplish anything he sets his mind to. Bravo, young man, keep it up. Hope you get to read all of the wonderful comments from those taking the time to write. I agree with Joseph’s comments on June 17th, I’d get this clip up to the front office of the Houston Astros. How’d you like to see Adam walk out with Craig Biggio and throw the first pitch. Powerful stuff.
Austin, TX
ADAM, YOU ARE JUST AMAZING, AND A INSPIRATION TO ME, AND I KNOW TO ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS WHO WILL SEE THIS VIDEO. I JUST KNOW THAT WE WILL HEAR AND SEE MORE FROM YOU AS YOU GO THROUGH LIFE. GOD BLESS!
I think this young man will grow up to be someone very importmant this kind of willpower he has will take him far in life