In 1986, Ed Hearn fulfilled his childhood dream as a member of the World Champion New York Mets. The following year with the Kansas City Royals, he was set to make those big “million dollar bank deposits” today’s professional athletes are accustomed to, when suddenly, a serious shoulder injury brought a premature end to a very promising and brilliant career.
Today, after three life-saving kidney transplants, a successful bout with cancer, the aid of a breathing machine each night, a costly IV treatment once a month, and up to 50 pills per day, Ed has come back to live a life that is truly an inspiration.
While battling these very challenging health issues the past twelve years, Ed Hearn has become one of this nation’s most highly sought after motivational speakers. Yes, his courage, faith and determination speak volumes as we face life’s challenges, but what makes him so uniquely special is his genuine desire to empower and uplift those around him. His inspiring, real life message leaves audiences remembering him not so much as an athlete, but more as a man who has had a lasting impact on their lives.
Three years ago, Ed was awarded the prestigious Certified Speaking Profession (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association. He is the first and only professional athlete from our country’s major league sports to receive this designation (less than 8% of speakers throughout the world have received this distinguished honor).
As the author of Conquering Life’s Curves – Baseball, Battles & Beyond, Ed has appeared on numerous national television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The 700 Club and MSNBC. He is founder of The Bottom of the Ninth Foundation, a Kansas non-for-profit corporation dedicated to the mission of rebuilding the spirit and character of this nation.
Ed, his wife, Trish, and their nine-year-old son, Cody, reside in Lenexa, Kansas. He is very active in various community activities and spends countless hours of his time with the youth of Kansas City. In his spare time, Ed enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf.