Los Angeles/ Sports
AI Assisted Icon
Published on October 02, 2023
San Diego Man Without Arms Completes Inspiring Tour of All MLB Stadiums, From Seattly to MiamiSource: Twitter (now "X")/Los Angeles Angels

Tom Willis, born without arms, completed a remarkable 15-year tour in which he threw the first pitch at every Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium across the nation. His inspiring "Pitch For Awareness" mission aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of those with disabilities. He achieved this milestone at Angel Stadium late last month, according to an ABC7 report.

A USA Today article informed that rain had threatened to, delay his last pitch; nonetheless, the skies cleared just in time. This marked an end to this long journey filled with countless road trips, flights, and tenacious perseverance.

--
The MLB stadiums that are furthest from one another are T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington - home of the Seattle Mariners - and Marlins Park in Miami, Florida - home of the Miami Marlins. They are approximately 2,724 miles (4,385 kilometers) apart.
--

Residing in San Diego, Willis has emerged as not only a record holder but also a motivational speaker shedding light on the experiences and resilience of disabled individuals. His dream to visit all Major League Baseball stadiums was initially supported by his wife and various MLB teams. Despite the challenges, as highlighted in a separate USA Today report, his wife applauded his determination and the rigorous work behind arranging these 30 opportunities to pitch.

Although Willis has yet to officially being recognized as the pioneering individual to complete this remarkable tour, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Hailey Dawson, an eight-year-old girl who accomplished the same feat in 2017. To Willis, however, being first reaches insignificant importance compared to spreading his empowering message of capability and determination through his awe-inspiring journey.