Dave Dravecky

  

   Dave Dravecky pitched seven years in Major League Baseball, playing as an All-Star and in two pennant races. Dave’s story dramatically offers hope through Jesus Christ to those who suffer from cancer, amputation or serious illness.

   In 1988, Dave was at the top of his game and life. He had a wonderful family and was reaching his all-star peak playing the game of his childhood dreams. His 5-1 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 his pitching arm. Even so, defying all odds, Dave came back to pitch once again in the Major Leagues on August 10, 1989. Dave pitched a 4-3 win for the San Francisco Giants that day—nothing short of a miracle. But sadly, five days later in Montreal, Dave threw “…the pitch that could be heard round the world”—Dave’s arm split in two in mid-throw.

   Little did he know that his ending boyhood dream was simply a platform for his purpose to share hope with the suffering around the world. After Dave’s comeback and fall from the mound, with the weakened bone, the cancer returned yet again. Dave retired from baseball in November 1989 and endured radiation treatments, infections and finally amputation of his pitching arm. The experience forced Dave to painfully re-evaluate his identity and resulting in his subsequent journey to wholeness in Christ.

   Dave has since written several books and devotionals chronicling his faith journey, including contributing devotionals to The Encouragement Bible with Joni Eareckson Tada. He and his wife also founded Outreach of Hope, an organization dedicated to serving those with cancer and amputation with resources for encouragement, comfort and hope through a personal relationship with Christ. Dave’s story presents a new definition of self-worth and has prompted an overwhelming response, powerfully inspiring audiences of all ages.