My longtime friend, Bill Husak, the Athletics Director at Loyola Marymount University, sent me the following email yesterday evening: "This will do your heart good." Dr. Husak included this link after his short message. The link is a video clip that can also be enjoyed at YouTube.

The following paragraph on the site of the Lexington Herald-Leader adds color to the video:

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.

In addition to the video, be sure to check out Adam Bender at the Reds, a slideshow consisting of 26 photos coupled with an audio from the boy's parents, Michelle and Chris Bender.

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. Because of cancer, Adam Bender had his left leg amputated when he was one but that hasn’t stopped him from playing baseball for the Astros in the Southeastern Rookie League at Veterans Park.

I'm not the first one to report this story but thought it was inspirational enough to bring it to the attention of readers who, like me, missed out when it was first shared last spring.

Adam Bender makes the big leagues and the Kid can do it all on one leg are worthwhile reads as well.

You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this heartwarming story. But it doesn't hurt either. Just ask Adam.