Video: Beyond The X with Jackson RyanCerebral palsy hasn't taken Houston junior out of the sport his grandfather became famous in.
Jackson Ryan of
Second Baptist (Houston) is no ordinary high school baseball player.
The junior's grandfather is Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. His father, Reid Ryan, is president of the Houston Astros.
Jackson is a reliever for the TAPPS 4A defending state champion Eagles, coached by six-time MLB All-Star Lance Berkman and assisted by five-time World Series champion pitcher Andy Pettitte.
When the 6-foot, 145-pounder takes the mound he carries a rich legacy and big expectations.
But it hasn't been all baseball celebrity and smooth sailing for Jackson. Life dealt him a bit of a curveball at birth.
Pitcher Jackson Ryan
Photo by Leslie Johnson
"We learned Jackson had cerebral palsy on the day he was born, which affected the muscle tone and posture on the right side of his body," Reid said. "The doctor told us he may never walk or talk and gave us a list of potential problems. It was a tough time. Your mind goes to the worst possibilities. We didn't know what to expect."
The resilient Jackson has refused to let the disability determine his future. He has powered through years of physical therapy to play the game he loves — and has never quit.
The 17-year-old lefty lacks fine motor skills in his right hand and wears a special velcro strip on that side that attaches to another piece on the inside of his glove. After Jackson releases the ball from his left hand, he pulls the velcro apart and immediately puts his left hand in the glove during the follow-through to protect himself. He essentially throws and catches with the same hand and executes his legendary grandfather's most important lesson.
"I've always told him to throw strikes," Nolan said.
Jackson has logged 66 strikes, nine strikeouts and holds a 1-0 record with a 4.94 ERA in 5.2 innings pitched for the 24-9-1 Eagles this season. He has mastered the art of being a one-armed pitcher.
"I think of myself as a normal person and do the best I can to my abilities," Jackson said. "I have a couple disadvantages, but there's nothing I can do about it. I have to go with it."
His abilities have an effect on those around him.
"I think he inspires a lot of people," Reid said. "Whether it's able-bodied kids on the team or younger kids who go to the games. It's also motivating to the parents and kids with disabilities. He's never let his disability hold him back. He's doing all this with one hand, so what can others complain about? Numerous kids with cerebral palsy have approached us throughout the years and told us he inspired them. Jackson pushes me, and he doesn't even know it."
His former World Series champion head coach recognizes a winner when he sees one.
"The fact that he's able to do as much as he is with his disability is incredible," Berkman said. "More than that is his mindset and approach to life. He shows up and is ready to go every day. He's got that determination and laser focus. You just see it all over him when he's on the mound, this is what he's all about. He'll run through a brick wall before he'll quit. This is what it means to face a difficult challenge head on and not making any excuses. Don't look for an easy way out, work and overcome the obstacles that you’ll face in your life."
Jackson simply knows no limits.
"Don't put any limitations on yourself," Jackson said. "Do what you want to do and go for it."
Former MLB pitcher and five-time World Series champion Andy Pettitte looks on as Ryan throws during a practice session.
Photos by Leslie Johnson
