Dave Stephens, the baseball athlete, was born on January 12, 1966, without any Legs at the age of his birth and was later adopted by Bill and Bee Stevens in Wickenburg, Arizona.
The parents took a risk of fostering Dave, even though the doctors suggested he would never walk or live independently, which was one of the reasons his 15-year-old mother abandoned him.
While many, including the doctors, thought he would not be able to live independently, he did what seemed impossible for those who were perfectly able and healthy.
During his time at Wickenburg High School, he was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and wrestling.
A Surprise to many, he even set multiple records: most takedowns in wrestling, most career walks in baseball (132), and most walks in a season (44).
In 2012, he got a great honor from Wickenburg High School, as they renamed their MVP award to the “Dave Stevens Hustle Award.”
College And Professional Career
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After a successful High School career, Dave’s passion for Sports didn’t die at the college level. At Augsburg University, too, he played the same sports as in High School.
A couple of years later, in 1996, he signed with a minor league team, the St. Paul Saints, becoming the only legless professional baseball player. “He touched a place in my heart. He’s limited physically, but it’s not a handicap. I have admiration for what he’s accomplished,” said the Saints manager, Marty Scott, after his debut.
He played in one official minor league baseball game in 1996. In his first and last game for the team, he started at second base. One of his best moments as a professional came when he pinch-hit for Darryl Strawberry.
To achieve an even bigger dream, he also tried out for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Reds, and the Minnesota Twins as a long snapper.
Dave also had the opportunity to play with former MLB players, including Barry Bonds and Oddibie McDowell, as he was invited to the Olympic Baseball West Regional Tryouts.
After a dream career as a baseball player, he later switched to broadcasting, working for over 20 years at ESPN, as Assignment Desk Manager and Desk Editor. He has also worked for FOX and held practice sessions for the Tampa Rays and the Minnesota Twins in Florida.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dave won seven Emmy Awards due to his dedication and contribution to Sports Broadcasting.
- He has also founded the Dave Stevens Foundation, which supports young people with disabilities in sports and media.
- Dave, the proud father of three boys, has also been featured on CBS, The Today Show, Sports Illustrated, and many other notable outlets.
