It's an incredible achievement for one Olathe man. He is one of one of the best softball players in the country who plays on wheels.
"My hitting has improved a lot over the past few years," said John Teegarden.
He didn't start playing in a wheelchair until 11 years ago, a short time after his heart surgery went terribly wrong.
"It was tough," said Teegarden. "Not being able to drive for a long time was one of the worst things."
Swelling around his spine left him unable to walk. Now, after years of therapy, he's up and around with the help of crutches, but still needs wheels on the softball field.
Just a few weeks ago, the National Wheelchair Softball Association selected him for their first ever Team USA, a dream team of the country's best wheelchair softball players.
"It means a lot really. It means that I've been working hard at trying to get better," said Teegarden. "It means all that work that I've been putting in is paying off."
The team will travel to Japan this summer to take on some of the world's best.
It's one more test for a man who has already overcome so much.
John is still raising money for his trip to Japan. If you would like to help, click here.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
