Ed Hearn The Man
The Journey
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.
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 now he uses what he learned during that physically challenging time to impact thousands of lives.
Today, after 4 life-saving kidney transplants, years of dialysis, two successful bouts with cancer and radiation treatments, 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 challenging health issues over the past thirty-five years, Ed Hearn has traveled throughout the United States speaking to corporations, associations, schools and churches. He is very entertaining, captivating and motivating, but what makes him so uniquely special is his genuine desire to empower and uplift those around him in a very transparent and personal way. His inspiring, real life message leaves audiences remembering him not so much as an athlete, but more as a man who will have a lasting impact on their lives.
In 2001, Ed was awarded the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association. He was the first current or former professional athlete from our country’s major league sports to receive this designation. Additionally, only 12% of speakers in 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 ESPN. Recently, a Hollywood movie production company acquired the movie rights to Ed’s story and a screenplay has been scripted.
In 1998, Ed founded of The Bottom of the 9th (a KS 501c3 nonprofit corporation), which challenges both individuals and organizations to embrace the bold challenge of rebuilding the spirit and character of our nation.
Ed resides in Shawnee, KS with his wife, Trish, and their son, Cody. As if the Hearn’s haven’t faced enough of life’s curves, in November of 2011, during Cody’s junior year of high school, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt’s Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Like his dad, he battled hard and today is in full remission.
Ed is very active in various community activities, his church and spends countless hours of his time with the youth of Kansas City. In his spare time, Ed enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf.
A Personal Note from Ed
Thank you for taking a brief moment to consider the possibility of allowing me to utilize the “gifts” I have been given to positively impact the lives of your group.
In working with countless meeting coordinators over the past thirty-three years, I have long since come to realize that planning a group meeting is no small task. You have the unenviable job of pleasing not only your boss, but the hundreds or even thousands of different personalities that make up your group. I feel it is my job to make you look like a hero in everyone’s eyes.
As professional speakers, we are privileged to positively impact the lives of our fellow man. Many people cannot fathom the passion I have for the work I now do away from the ball park. The truth is, I look forward to speaking to a group of people more than I used to look forward to playing in a major league baseball game.
Furthermore, because of my transcendent and open-hearted speaking style, I have found many audience members typically enjoy the opportunity to socialize and even spend personal one-on-one moments together after my programs. Therefore, I would like you to understand my personal philosophy is that of being more than just a speaker to the groups who book me.
Whenever possible, I like to make myself readily available to share these special “up-close” moments. Whether it’s taking photos with my new friends and the World Series trophy, personally autographing my book or even joining in on a round of golf with the group, I consider these to be all part of my job in helping to make your event one they will remember for a long time to come.
I look forward to the possibility of working with you in the near future! Not only would we have a good time, but more importantly, I know we can have a positive impact on the lives on those in your group.
