Diamondbacks Draft Paralyzed Arizona State Baseball Player

The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted paralyzed Arizona State outfielder Cory Hahn in the 2013 MLB draft.

The former Mater Dei High School (CA) star and “Mr. Baseball” in California who many thought would be a “can’t miss” prospect was paralyzed after sliding into second base during his freshman season at Arizona State in 2011. 

The Diamondbacks said this was not a symbolic 34th round selection, and the organization will make Hahn, who is a student-coach for Arizona State, a full-time employee.

Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall told the Associated Press that drafting Hahn was a “no-brainer.”

Hahn tweeted his appreciation:

I cannot thank the @dbacks enough for what they have done! So humbled and will be forever grateful! So honored to be a diamondback!

— Coryhahn34 (@Coryhahn34) June 9, 2013

Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke last year detailed Hahn’s story and that of his father, who gave up his job to care for his son. His piece can be read here:

After spending years as his son’s baseball coach, Dale Hahn has quit his job as a sales rep to become his son’s life coach.

When Cory moved back to the Arizona State campus in January to continue his studies, Dale went with him. While Cory moved into a rental home with three teammates, Dale moved into an extended-stay hotel down the street.

[…]

A year ago, forever was about preparing his son to become a millionaire baseball player. Today, forever is about helping him put on his shirt. But it’s the same forever, the same commitment, the same, “Dad.”

Photo credit: Los Angeles Times