Rocky Lorenzo's prosthetic left leg is a reason for inspiration, not a reason for sympathy.
Photo courtesy of the Lorenzo family
A father stands on one end and his son stands on the other. Words don't necessarily need to be spoken to make it a meaningful moment.
The sound of leather hitting leather can be enough for long periods of time.
The father-son game of catch has been passed on from generation to generation and romanticized in the movie "Field of Dreams." The Lorenzos did their best to capture a similar moment, considering Rocky lost his left leg soon after birth because of blood clot.
"I remember my dad (Rick) making sure I wasn't afraid of the ball and showing me I can still play," Rocky said. "I was maybe 4 before I started playing (in leagues) later. I always wanted to keep playing after that."
More than a dozen years later, Rocky Lorenzo is a pitcher for
McClintock (Tempe, Ariz.), fully comfortable in his prosthetic leg when he comes out of the Chargers' bullpen when called upon.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without my prosthetic leg," he said. "I don't think about life any other way because I've never known anything else."
A little closer to Superstition Mountain in the East Valley,
Keith Rutledge-Keller went through a similar childhood but chose a different route. Rutledge-Keller, who was born without a left arm, didn't like the prosthetic that was bought for him and he discarded it soon after it was presented to him.
It was two different choices by two young men who have the same resiliency along with a steadfast resolve to live without fear and nary a second of self-pity.
Rutledge-Keller is a situational player for
Skyline (Mesa, Ariz.) who is a quality pinch-runner, can field his position (mostly first base) adequately and gets the occasional at-bat.
One of Rutledge-Keller's recent plate appearances came against Lorenzo on March 3. It wasn't planned, just circumstances of a lopsided game won 19-0 by Skyline. The fact that the scenario just happened was rather fitting, considering neither athlete has ever wanted special treatment. (You can see video of the at-bat at the bottom of the story)
It ended in a foul pop-up on the first pitch but really was so much more.
"What an incredible statement by both players about facing life's challenges head on," Skyline coach Michael Johnson said. "I didn't know about it until after it happened. It was hardly just another at-bat in a game, but that's the way it was treated."
Rutledge-Keller, who also played varsity football, doesn't see himself as handicapped and always finds a way to adapt as situations are presented to him. It's the way it has always been: Take all challenges head on. There might be some hesitation, but it isn't out of fear. He is simply navigating a plan to complete the task.
"My mom and dad always told me just to sit and think about it and you'll figure it out," Rutledge-Keller told the Arizona Republic last year. "If I can't do something and it's hard, I think about another way I can do it that will make it easy."
Johnson said it is pretty clear that Rutledge-Keller's parents did a great job of making sure they never gave their son the easy way out.
"I've never met her (his mother Rebecca) but he was brought up with the thought you have to do whatever it takes to be successful," Johnson said. "He doesn't look for any help and meets things head-on and competes as hard as anyone.
"I don't think being unable to do something ever enters his mind."
It doesn't matter that neither is the star on their respective teams. The obstacles they've overcome at such a young age have made them mature beyond their years. They may not be in the game when the game on the line, but their mere presence is a reminder of how anyone can overcome the challenges in front of them.
"All you can ask of someone is to be ready when called on and compete as hard as they can," Johnson said. "I don't care who the young man is or where he came from as long as he meets challenges head-on. You have something in their character you can build on. They make no excuses and it is clear both of these amazing young men have done just that.
"They made the best of their situations and it shows everyone else what can be accomplished when they don't allow themselves to be deterred."
Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 15-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.
