My Story
My story is one of finding hope, courage and perseverance in the midst of dark and overwhelming uncertainty. In 1988, I was at the top of my game and my life. Not only did I have a wonderful family but I was also at the peak of my career, playing the game of my childhood dreams. My opening day victory over the Dodgers was overshadowed later that fall by the discovery of cancer and the removal of half of the deltoid muscle in my pitching arm. After battling cancer in my pitching arm, I came back a year later to defy the odds and pitch once again in the Major Leagues. Despite being told by my doctors, “Short of a miracle, you’ll never pitch again,” I pitched a 4-3 win for the San Francisco Giants that day.
Dave Dravecky MLB Short Feature Video: Pregame 25th Anniversary of Comeback celebration with the San Francisco Giants.
Watch Video on MLB.com
Sadly, my comeback was short-lived. Five days later, I threw “…the pitch that could be heard round the world.” My arm broke. As I tumbled to the ground, I was overwhelmed with pain wondering what is going on in my life. I realized in that moment there was something going on that was much bigger than baseball.
After my comeback and fall from the mound, the cancer returned, yet again. The arm refused to get better so I decided to retire from my dream, the game of baseball, in November of 1989. Finally, the arm along with my shoulder blade and the left side of my collarbone had to be amputated for fear the cancer would spread and take my life. Little did I know that the loss of my childhood dream would become a platform to share hope with the suffering around the world.
The challenges I’ve faced in the years following have taught me volumes and I now travel the country sharing the lessons I’ve learned—lessons on how to navigate loss and suffering, and how to experience encouragement and hope. More recently I’ve been exploring how we define our true worth, learning that it’s not what you do that matters most—it’s who you are. The experiences of my life have drawn me to discover and share about the value and significance of relationships—relationships with co-workers, family members and anyone else on ‘my team.’ My personal experiences have also taught me to evaluate life—challenging myself as well as others to press on towards our future goals.
Currently, my busy schedule takes me all over the country, sharing my story and what I’ve learned to groups of all ages and sizes. My motivational messages are straight from my own experiences with loss and suffering as I seek to inspire through the encouragement and hope I’ve discovered along the way.
Click here to view video: The San Francisco Giants made this video on the anniversary of the Comeback.
For more about my speaking topics and/or booking information, please visit My Speaking and Book Me pages.
When You Can't Come Back
“My arm caught the attention of the entire school, when, as a teenager, I pitched my first no hitter…(Later) my ability to provide for my family was not based on how smart I was or how hard I worked. It was based solely on what my arm could do on game day. When people talked with me, it was the center of conversation. ‘How’s the arm today, Dave? Is your arm ready for tonight?’ My arm was to me what hands are to a concert pianist, what feet are to a marathon runner. It’s what made me valuable, what gave me worth in the eyes of the world. Then suddenly my arm was gone.”
Willie Mac Award
The photo above was taken the day I received the Willie Mac award in 1989. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most important awards I’ve been given in my life. Named after San Francisco Giants Hall of Famer William McCovey, the award is voted on by the team and given to the Giants player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the team. Through it all these guys were my team, and the support they gave me through this time in my life, after the pain and suffering, breaking my arm, and having to retire 5 days later, was incredible. They showed me the significance of having a team, not only on the field, but also in life. Through my speaking I encourage others to cultivate these types of relationships and see the part they play in achieving our life goals.
Q&A With Dave Dravecky
Here’s the list of questions most frequently asked by baseball fans. If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us. Questions will be answered as Dave’s schedule permits, so please be patient.
Comeback
My fastball was usually in the 88-89 MPH range.
A Louisville Slugger, 34 inches long, and it weighed 31 ounces.
Atlee Hammaker
Candlestick Park
Tim Raines
The Comeback Game
8 years old
The Dodgers
A desmoid tumor
Because of the overwhelming response to our story and our desire to walk alongside others who suffer, my wife, Jan, and I founded Endurance with Jan and Dave Dravecky, a nonprofit organization located in Kansas. We realized through our own experiences that one cannot face adversity in life alone, so we have created this organization to help others endure on the journey. Visit us at www.endurance.org to find out more.