Curtis Pride: The Silent Inspiration Who Defied Expectations in Major League Baseball
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A remarkable story of perseverance and triumph, the journey of Curtis Pride – a deaf Major League Baseball player – embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and achieving one’s dreams. Pride’s career, spanning 11 seasons and six teams, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and a powerful message of inclusivity.
A Historic Debut
Pride vividly recalls the moment he registered his first Major League hit – a two-run double against the Philadelphia Phillies during a crucial pennant race. “My first Major League hit — a two-run double against the Phillies — was in the middle of the pennant race,” he said. Standing on second base amidst the roar of 45,000 fans, he initially didn’t realize the cheers were for him. It was his third-base coach’s signal to tip his cap that revealed the stadium’s outpouring of support. “And that’s what I did,” Pride recounted. “It was very emotional. I tried to keep a straight face to let people know that I’m serious, I’m not a one-hit wonder or a charity case. I’m here to stay in the Major Leagues for a long time.”
Breaking Barriers: A Legacy of Deaf Players
Pride’s story is particularly significant as he is one of only seven deaf players to compete in Major League Baseball. He is arguably the most successful of the modern era, following in the footsteps of Dummy Hoy, who amassed over 2,000 hits across a 14-year career from 1888 to 1902. Other deaf players who left their mark on the game include Ed Dundon (1883-84), Tom Lynch (1887), Reuben Stephenson (1892), Luther Taylor (1900-08), George Leitner (1901-02), William Deegan (1901), Herbert Murphy (1914), and Dick Sipek (1945).
Pride’s success extended beyond simply reaching the Majors. He appeared in over 400 games, hitting 20 home runs while playing for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
“I Felt the Cheers”: Sharing His Story
Recognizing the inspirational nature of his life, Pride was frequently encouraged to share his story through an autobiography. That vision became a reality with the publication of “I Felt the Cheers: The Remarkable Silent Life of Curtis Pride” in February, co-authored with Doug Ward, a writer and former publications manager with the Los Angeles Angels. “The book came together beautifully, and we’ve had so many great reviews,” Pride shared. “I’m just very thankful for having so many wonderful people in my life who helped me make that story, which is an amazing dream.”
The book delves into the challenges Pride faced, including learning to communicate and navigating a world often dismissive of his abilities. “They would tell me they wanted to know more about my life,” Pride explained. “What I went through, how I learned how to talk and struggle, how to deal with dismissiveness.”
A Moment of Doubt, A Pivotal Intervention
However, Pride’s path to success wasn’t without its near derailments. In 1992, while a prospect in the New York Mets’ minor league system, a difficult season at Double-A Binghamton, coupled with personal struggles – including a breakup with his girlfriend and insensitive jokes from teammates – led him to contemplate quitting. “It kind of snowballed, and it kind of put a lot on my plate,” Pride said during an interview with MLB.com. “I started to doubt myself. … I went through the worst season ever, and it got so bad that I wanted to quit … walk away from the game in the middle of the season.”
A visit from his parents proved to be a turning point. “We had a long conversation in the hotel room where my dad was telling me that he did not raise me to be a quitter, and that he expected me to honor my commitment to finish the season,” Pride recalled. He agreed to complete the season and reassess his future.
Inspiration Found in Giving Back
During the offseason, Pride volunteered as an instructional assistant at his former high school in Silver Spring, Maryland, working with students with learning disabilities. It was through these students that he rediscovered his purpose. When they learned of his baseball career, they questioned how a deaf athlete could succeed in the sport. “And they were asking me, ‘How can you play professional baseball? You’re deaf,” Pride said. He explained that disabilities should not define limitations, and that pursuing one’s dreams is paramount. He remembers asking his mother, “What kind of a message would I be sending to these kids if I could quit baseball?”
Their belief in him reignited his passion, leading to his Major League debut with the Montreal Expos on September 14, 1993.
Facing Adversity with Resilience
Even after reaching the highest level, Pride encountered prejudice. “[When] I got to a professional level, I would never have expected grown men to be making fun of me the way the kids back in my elementary school did,” he said. He learned to focus on the positive, surround himself with supportive teammates, and remain steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.
Curtis Pride’s story is a powerful reminder that determination, resilience, and a belief in oneself can overcome any obstacle. His legacy extends far beyond the baseball diamond, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. “I was this close to quitting,” Pride concluded. “So I’m so grateful that I did not give up and that I was able to bear down to kind of be myself and work hard, and that’s the message that I want to get to other people.”
