“Starting Over”
Josh Ruchotzke's dreams to earn a Division I baseball scholarship and someday be part of the major leagues weren't squashed by a life-threatening bacteria invasion. Despite the partial loss of four limbs, Ruchotzke thrives on.
Photo by Del Mecum
Josh Ruchotzke started at Farmington for threeyears and now is at Vanderbilt.
Photo by Del Mecum
Josh Ruchotzke had a dream to earn a Division I baseball scholarship at a prestigious school and then, with some extra hard work, a break or two, perhaps get a shot at Major League Baseball. By 13, he was on the fast track, a kid with tools, ability, soft hands, a keen eye and a big bat. But then the cruel, deadly, indiscriminate streptocci bacteria invaded his body and ravaged his organs, tissues and blood flow. His baseball life wasn't only at stake. His life was in peril. And his family had no time to lose: "A doctor told me this wasn't a day-by-day or even hour-by-hour proposition," his mother Angi said. "It was minute-by-minute."
He miraculously survived but at a severe price. Both his legs below the knees were amputated and most of his hands were mangled. He was left with a pad on his left hand and a few digits on his right. Piece-by-piece, limb-by-limb he was put back together physically. He had to start all over again. Thanks to state-of-the-art prosthetics, a magic glove, remarkable patience, preposterous determination and unyielding support and love from his family and friends, Ruchotzke had a successful high school baseball career. He played three varsity seasons and was Farmington’s starting second baseman. He hit almost .300 his senior year. His dreams, never broken, were realized with a full ride to Vanderbilt to be the team’s manager and he hopes to make it to the Major Leagues as a general manager. No one is betting against him.
Casting call
Out of the 10, this might be hardest to make and cast.
Adam DeVine has played a lot of comedic roles but he seems to have the range to play the upbeat, undeterred and high-energy Ruchotzke.
