MLB Draft: Arizona Diamondbacks Select Paralyzed Outfielder Cory Hahn in 34th Round
By Eric He
Sometimes, there are things that are bigger than sports, and this story is priceless.
Cory Hahn, an outfielder for Arizona State, was paralyzed after colliding with another player while sliding into second base during a game in 2011. He suffered a spinal injury, and was paralyzed from the chest down.
Players slide into bases every single game and walk away unscathed, but for some reason, Hahn’s life took an unfortunate turn while performing a routine act.
On Saturday, the Arizona Diamondbacks honored Hahn by actually drafting him in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Hahn’s jersey number was 34 with the Sun Devils.
“It was a very emotional selection for us to make,” Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall told the Associated Press. “When (scouting director) Ray Montgomery and his staff came up with the idea and presented it to me, it was a no-brainer.”
“It’s not about us. It’s really about Cory and his family,” he continued. “I was able to spend time with them right after the injury in his hospital room and he’s a wonderful kid. We want to make this permanent. We don’t want this to just be about the selection and him being a draft pick, but about him working in full-time employment with the Diamondbacks and hopefully we’ll make that come to fruition for he and his family here soon.”
Hahn has not given up, even with the major setback. He is on pace to graduate in 2014 with a business degree from Arizona State, and despite being told that he would never be able to drive a car, Hahn was able to do it using hand controls.
Now, he is being rewarded for his perseverance, being drafted by a big league club.
Some things are bigger than sports, and the Diamondbacks sure are a classy organization for this act.