How Mets Pitcher R.A. Dickey Overcame Obstacles On & Off the Field

“You may hit me.   You may knock me around and knock balls out of the park.  But I am always going to get back up and keep coming at you.”  — R.A. Dickey

How many of us have this type of attitude no matter what trials we are facing?

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to talk and have lunch with Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey.  It was our first meeting, but I had already met him in the pages of his new book, Wherever I Wind Up.  His story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.  When I finished the book, I flipped back to the beginning and re-read the words in the quote above.  R.A. captured the essence of his life in those sentences and his ability to persevere through almost anything.

Baseball enthusiasts may know his unusual path to his position as starting pitcher for the New York Mets.  He was a No. 1 draft pick of the Texas Rangers.  Complete with a signing bonus of over $800,000, he thought his successful baseball career would only go up.  His dream turned into a pitcher’s nightmare:  the discovery that he was missing his ulna collateral ligament (ucl) in his right elbow.

It would be inspirational enough to read about how he was able to overcome this setback and end up in one of baseball’s top positions.  But his life’s journey and the lessons you learn from it go far beyond baseball.  As a boy growing up in Nashville, R.A. had a childhood filled with challenges:  his mother’s addiction to alcohol, the divorce of his parents, and child abuse.  By the time R.A. was dealing with a missing ucl, he was already accustomed to setbacks and challenges.

After reading the book, I couldn’t wait to meet him.  R.A. is one of the most likable and modest people you could ever meet.  In this video interview, you will see the brokenness and humility, but you will also hear his remarkable determination.  We talk about everything from his recent use of social media and Twitter to how his Christian faith helped him during difficult times.

Here are just a few character traits I noticed:

  • Persistence
  • Openness
  • Faith
  • Attitude
  • Humility

This inspirational book is not only for sports fans but also for anyone interested in success and leadership.  There are not many books that I can say that I am quoting something to my wife in the morning, reading a passage to my staff in a meeting in the afternoon, and telling a friend about something in the evening.  This is one of those rare books.

SIGNED R.A. DICKEY BASEBALLS

We’re giving away several signed R.A. Dickey baseballs.  What do you have to do?  Just leave a comment below, and you will be entered into our random giveaway. 

Update: Winners have been notified – thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing!

 

 

What do you do when you are facing a setback or difficult experience? Does faith play a role in your life? Do you have someone who supports you no matter what? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • Doug

    R.A Dickey is an inspiration to my son, now eight years old and all about baseball. We watched the video together. 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Doug, that is awesome. As you can see from the interview, RA Dickey is someone to admire–unbelievably humble and concerned for others. Your son may also enjoy the interview with John Smoltz and the post “A Small Town’s Shot at Forever.” By the way, you have a fantastic website.

  • John

    I love his book!

  • Kjingerson

    Wow, what an inspiration, as a father of 4 with 2 boys playing baseball and I a coach, I tend to lead towards these types of stories. They are great lessons to pass on to the team , life lessons that is . Jamie Ingerson. NY

  • Van Baggett

    What an inspirational story!  RA made it clear that he is an overcomer, and that his faith in the LORD is what has brought through all of the trials he has faced or will face in the future.

  • Carol

    I am probably too late for the signed baseball giveaway. I am a mom. Divorced as a last resort when I could not stop my husband from abuse. Life is better now. Faith got me through…blessed by 3 great kids…2 baseball players, 1 softball player. ;-) Lots of concession stand duty.
    My request…I was roaming the internet to try to find some inspiration for a freshman baseball player on our parochial school team who broke his hip…he is off crutches now, body is healing, mind and spirit lagging. I told his Dad we needed to give him examples of injured athletes who have overcome….and I ran across this wonderful faith filled video!!! I am going to go out and get your book for him….if I am not too late and it is not too much to ask, would it be possible to send him a baseball? His name is Blake…No matter what…God Bless you and all the people you have helped!! Thanks!!
    Carol

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Carol, sorry, but as noted above you did miss the giveaway.  We will be giving various giveaways on the blog.  I’m glad that this video spoke to you, and it sounds like you have had an incredibly challenging time. Watch the Tim Sanders video next for some extra inspiration!

  • jrouane

    RA is one of my favorite baseball players.  Of course, I am a huge Mets fans and watch as many games as my life will allow.  I love to watch him on the mound, he is resilient and truly battles every time he is out there.  It would be huge to win one of his signed baseballs and a can’t wait for the day I get to watch him pitch live and meet him.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       The first giveaway is complete, but we will have another one soon!

  • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

    Joseph, thanks for the inspiring comments and encouragement.

  • LGH

    I just watched the MSNBC Morning Joe Show where R.A. previewed his book with interviewers.  I’m anxious to order this book for my Kindle.  Thank you for sharing your amazing life story!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      LGH, thanks for the comment. You’ll love the book.

  • Tom Downs

    Dickeys a good man and he is my favorite current
    Met.  He throws a mean knuckleball.  I’m a Met fan
    from way back.  All the way back to the 69
    world series winning miracle club of Seaver and
    Tomie Agee.  Best of luck to him and his book
    this season.

    Tom Downs

  • http://www.facebook.com/tricia.goyer Tricia Goyer

    My son tore his ACL his senior year of high school basketball just after the season started. He didn’t get to play the rest of the season but the was the best cheerleader for his team, and we made it to every game. When he was doing physical therapy on his left knee this discovered he had no ACL in his right knee. (He’d injured his knee 2 yer prior but the doc thought at the time it was just sprained.) So within 4 months he had TWO knee surgeries. Then 6 weeks after his 2nd surgery he went on back-to-back mission trips to the Czech Republic and Mexico. He was sore, but he shared the good news of Jesus! The most amazing story was in Mexico–he and his friends were so overwhelmed by the prostitutes lining the streets they pooled their money together, bought roses and handed them out to the women, sharing the love of God through a translator.

    My son is a young married husband and father now, but he volunteers in children’s church every week and loves God. I think he’ll like his book!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Tricia, your son has clearly been through his share of challenges, but responds positively. Thanks for sharing his story.

  • Tfruscella

    Sports have inspired me my entire life, this just reinforces it. Iam a lifelong Yankees fan and R.A. could play with them anytime!  

  • Basically Books

    Free Baseball

  • Memento010

    Can’t wait to read this book!

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Looks like a great book! The story of professional athletes and their path can be intriguing. Too often we think it’s an easy path when it took a lot of work.

     

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      And it’s the story of his personal life and struggles which will grab you even more.

  • Joanne Hogan

    Thank you for introducing me Mr. Dickey.  What an inspriration. I look forward to reading his book!

  • Robb Soriano

    I can’t wait to read this book!

  • Mary Mccarthy

    This is the type of book that I too often overlook. Thanks for making me take a second look.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Don’t miss this one, Mary.

  • Craig Pollock

    R. A. Dickey’ s is  truely amazing and most humbling.

  • Tammy Porter

    I want to read this book and pass it along after reading the blog. 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/JT6JB7YHIUJSX3FVYPUXWJM6PI donna

    I have my faith in God as a back up…not a day goes by that I can not see his works in my life,,,,the saddest thing I could imagine would be to go through life not knowing him…What a awesome way to share…..

  • Cindy Mcfadden

    Wow, not being a big baseball fan I had not planned to read this book, now I can’t wait to read it. 

  • virginia oneal

    my granddaughter would love a signed ball

  • Steve Michaelson

    I must get this book.  His story is one everyone needs to know about. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

  • Anita

    RA, in brokenness you SHINE! May God use you mightily for His purpose. I am deeply moved by your story.

  • Zonia Carson

    I have to say this has been my favorite author event so far this year!! He was very inspiring and I enjoyed hearing him speak about his experiences.
    I have started reading his book & it is just as awesome as I thought it would be!!

  • Blake

    Another good example of a person taking advantage of God’s gift of sport talent. The determination to make his path and not let trivial things obstruct his vision…and God’s vision…are not common enough. I will be keeping up with him now that I know more about his journey…and that he is a Nashvillian.

  • Ordering

      I always find it a greatly uplifting when a man, especially an sportsman can speak about their lives and what has helped to form them, both the good and the bad.  It is a great thing for our younger generation to hear.  It is also very good for our spirits when we see people not only overcoming how they were raised, but thriving.  Faith is such an important part of health!  May you be Blessed! 

    John Ray
    P&P Bookstore

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      John, an excellent comment:  faith is an important part of health. I agree.

  • Wendi Smotherman

    This is very inspiring, especially from a Mother who has a son growing up in baseball now. He’s 10 years old and eats, lives and breathes baseball.  He’s a pitcher too.  We are a huge baseball family and spend most of our time at the baseball field in Spring and Summer. It’s great to know that there are athletes out there like R.A Dickey with great Christian faith. We are looking forward to reading this book.

    Thank you,
    Wendi Smotherman
    Operations Specialist
    Ingram Content Group

    P.S. I love Skips Blogs!!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Wendi, you said it so well.  If you love baseball, you will love this book even more. And thanks for the compliment on the blog. I’m having fun with it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chadshowalter Chad Showalter

    I saw R.A. Dickey pitch last season against the Reds in Cincinnati and he was impressive, pitching well into the late innings.  Being a lifelong baseball fan, it’s rare to see someone with the integrity, humility and Christian faith that R.A. Dickey has- I’m looking forward to reading the book!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Chad, I hope you enjoy it. I’ve found it inspires almost anyone, baseball fan or not.

  • Steve Pate

    The world needs more R.A. Dickey’s!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      No doubt, Steve. It would be a better place.

  • Dann Zehr

    I reposted this blogpost on my FB page this morning.  R.A. really impressed me when he came to Ingram as a very articulate man who has an incredible story to tell!  I read it and already passed it on to a baseball-enthusiast friend of mine!  Well worth the read!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I agree, Dann. The story is so compelling on many levels.

  • hstever

    Looking forward to reading the book.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I’d be surprised if you don’t find something in it you like!

  • Judy Oliver

    I have not yet read the book, however, what an opportunity to meet someone of such character.   Knowing we are not exempt from “life” and all it presents to us, I do know we should embrace and enjoy each day.  Even, when circumstances are tough.
     
    Thank you.
     

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Great thought.  He immediately someone you like, and he’s lived through some tough times.

  • Terry Greer

    It was a rare treat to have the opportunity to hear RA speak. His humility and modesty were refreshing and inspiring.  I immediately began reading his book and the same carries through to the pages.  He writes with that same perspective AND with tremendous honesty.   I am already sharing the book with others!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Me too, Terry. I’ve used it for sports, for business, for leadership, for many different people. The story is compelling.

  • Bret Aune

    Being a UT fan and a Rangers fan, I have known about R.A. for years.  I never imagined his book would be so emotional and inspirational.  I hope his willingness to share his struggles and triumphs will inspire others who read this book.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks, Bret. I do as well!

  • Shannon Bible

    Confirmation that all things are possible with faith, love and determination.  Looking forward to reading the book  and thanks for sharing this interview.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks Shannon. I hope you enjoy it.

  • Kim May

    This is a very inspirational book. I couldn’t put it down once I began the book. I was honored to meet RA Dickey as well. I enjoyed watching him play ar the university of Tennessee as well as through his career. I look forward to continuing to follow his journey.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Kim, I agree–it’s inspirational to see his tenacity. He always finds another way, never letting anything stop him from reaching his goals.

  • Nina Mcclain

    This was one of the most enjoyable author events I’ve been to in 20+ years here and a GREAT book as well. RA is truely genuine, humble, and a great inspiration. I hope he does everything he sets out to this season. Thanks for the interview.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Haven’t been to 20 years of them, but I’d have to agree that he was terrific.

  • Judy Allen

    What an inspiration in perserverance and faith! 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       I agree. I’m looking for those people to spotlight them on this site.