Ed Hearn

Biography

In 1986, Ed Hearn fulfilled his childhood dream as a member of the World Series 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.

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 3 life-saving kidney transplants, months of dialysis, 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 fifteen years, Ed Hearn has become one of this nation`s most highly sought after motivational speakers. His courage, faith and determination speak volumes as we face life`s challenges.

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, current or former professional athlete from our country`s major league sports to receive this designation (only 8% of all speakers throughout the world have received this coveted 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!

Publications

Conquering Life`s Curves: Baseball, Battles & Beyond

It has become very evident that with all the challenges we face in our society today, people are wanting and needing to hear words of encouragement and inspiration. And, since our nation seems to hold professional athletes in such high esteem, Ed feels they have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the lives of many people.

Conquering Life`s Curves will give you a new outlook on life and what it takes to reach those goals which seem so impossible to achieve. At the end of each chapter, Hearn gives you "The Inside Pitch" in which he relates stories and opinions on such topics as Family, Faith, Marriage Vows, Paying the Price for Success, Perseverance, Role Models and Living Your Dream. He then weaves them into a recipe for living a championship life.

Titles

"CONQUERING LIFE`S CURVES" (General Keynote)
This program is a dynamic mix of entertainment, insight, and inspiration. Ed`s personal story truly does touch all the bases - from an inside look at life in the Major Leagues to the battle of overcoming life threatening illnesses. This is a message from a man who has both celebrated at the top and battled some of life`s nasty curves. No matter what the audience, this presentation is always a grand slam!

"THE WINNING EDGE" (Business Keynote)
The same ingredients necessary to build a World Championship baseball team are vital in the intensely competitive world of business. Today`s corporate leaders are recognizing the value of having employees who excel not only at work, but in their community and at home as well. As we move toward a new millennium, this program is a blueprint for the growing emphasis on success through a balanced, yet highly productive quality of life. It will inspire your group and leave them with a positive, successful approach toward work, relationships, and life!

"TOUCHING ALL THE BASES" (Youth Program)
We may face no bigger challenge today than that of steering our children through a maze of modern day temptations. As parents, we are frustrated by how often our children ignore our guidance yet seem to be so influenced by today`s "role models" - the athletes, musicians, and entertainers. Ed realizes this and uses the platform he has been given as a professional athlete to share the messages all parents wish their children would listen and respond to. Don`t miss this opportunity to expose your young people to one of life`s true champions.