When Joey Serrano steps up to the mound, his family is always watching. It's an exciting moment because it doesn't happen very often.
Joey's step dad, Jesus Mendez said, "He still has it."
Joey picked up a glove and a bat when he was five. He was an all star pitcher at 13. In fact, he played all of the infield positions. But it all ended when he took a knee to the head during a game.
Mendez said, "He was the reason we were always at the park...since his incident...haven't been to the park again."
It was just the beginning. Joey has since survived two brain tumors, a bout with meningitis, a ten day coma and temporary paralysis. It all took the strength out of his legs and his ability to play the game.
Joey Serrano said, "that's the hardest part, is not being able to play sports."
These days, Joey plays base guitar and he's focused on school. But he hasn't stopped loving baseball. He watches it religiously, well mostly Yankees games.
"Growing up me and my dad would talk about going to a game all the time," Serrano added.
Sadly, Joey's dad died in October. Capping off a rough three years. But his struggles caught the attention of Randall Watts, Executive Director of the non-profit group, Bounce Inc.
"I wanted to do something for him to let him know his story and the things he's doing mean something to not only me but somebody else who might be going through a struggle," Watts said.
Bounce Inc is sending Joey to New York to watch a Yankees home game and meet the team.
"It's crazy that they're giving me this chance," Serrano added, "because I wouldn't think anyone would do something for me like that."
He may not understand it but he is an inspiration to everyone around him. Especially when he steps up to the mound.
If you are interested in helping Bounce Inc, you can call or email.
Email: Randall@bounceusa.org
TXT 24
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