Ed Hearn…still swinging for life’s fences!

An Inspirational Champion

From the Penthouse to the Outhouse, and Back

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.

Determined to overcome this untimely setback, he made the successful transition into the "real world" of corporate America. But, less than six months after his baseball career ended, he was diagnosed with three potentially life threatening health conditions. Once a strong, vibrant professional athlete, he was reduced to a man who could barely care for himself. Ed hung on, though, and used these physical challenges to make the most incredible comeback of his life.

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.

In 2001, after just 6 years of speaking, 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 (only 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 the founder of The Bottom of the Ninth, a Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to the mission of rebuilding the spirit and character of this nation.

Ed, his wife, Trish, and their sixteen-year-old son, Cody (a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt), reside in Shawnee, 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.

Most recently, Hollywood has called and a life-story movie project is well on it’s way. Stay tuned!

A Sampling of What others have said about

Ed Hearn …the Man

”Wow, what an inspiration! To have lived every boy’s dream, loose that dream, loose your health…your story has, and will continue to, touch millions of lives. You go boy, go!”

Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show

”Conquering Life’s Curves is no fiction. It’s a hard-hitting tale of Ed’s struggles in and out of the game. It’ll make you laugh and it’ll make you cry. This is a story about the best kind of comeback. Ed has come full circle from a man who almost lost his life to a man who now empowers lives.”

George Brett, Baseball hall of Famer

“The road to success seldom climbs straight up the hill, but few go through the valleys that Ed has experienced. He shares his personal struggle, the soaring joys and the wrenching pain with a message that should inspire each of us to achieve new heights.”

Henry W. Bloch, Chairman of the Board, H&R Block

“In light of all the recent scandals, sports fans need a program to tell who the real heroes are. Look no further, Ed Hearn is more than just another old jock. From the corporate executive to the young high school athlete, Conquering Life’s Curves will have a heart warming impact on the way individuals view life and the challenges we all face from time to time.”

David Glass, Former Chairman and CEO, WalMart Stores

“It is really exciting to know a man like Ed Hearn - a former major-leaguer whose head is squarely placed upon his shoulders and who is striving to make a positive difference in the lives of all he meets.”

Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker

“Ed has my deepest respect. Few men have faced life’s challenges with such courage and grace. We can all learn greatly from him. He has a genuine desire to lift others to the top of life’s mountain.”

Fred Wilpon, Owner, New York Mets

“Gleaming from a lifetime of reaching for the top of life’s mountain while experiencing the pits of its deepest valleys, Ed Hearn shares an insight and wisdom usually reserved for those much further along in life.”

Bobby Bell, Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker, NFL Hall of Famer

“Ed’s story is one of courage, inspiration and motivation. His climb to the big leagues prepared him for the ‘Biggest Game’ involving all of us...life. Ed Hearn is not only a winner but someone who serves as a role model by being one of life’s champions.”

Steve Palermo, Former Umpire, Major League Baseball Executive Council

“We are told in Scripture that if we love the Lord, whatever happens will turn out for the good. Ed Hearn’s life is a great example of this truth. His message is one we all need to hear.”

Bobby Bowden, Head Football Coach, Florida State University

“This book is not just for baseball fans. It’s for anyone who is interested in learning about facing challenges and meeting them with success.”

Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles Third Baseman, Baseball Hall of Famer

“I have known Ed for a long time, and I know you will be amazed at what he has gone through during the last ten years. His story is a true testimony of the power each of us has, yet, so few of us ever utilize.”

Kevin Seitzer, Milwaukee Brewers Third Baseman, Former MLBP & Teammate

“Conquering Life’s Curves is more than just another sports autobiography. It’s an inspiring message of hope and perseverance.”

Gary Carter, New York Mets Catcher, Baseball hall of famer

“After reading Conquering Life’s Curves, you may not remember Ed Hearn so much as a ball player, but more as a man who will have genuinely touched your life.”