Ed Hearn (baseball)

Ed Hearn Royals

Ed Hearn (born August 23, 1960) is a former professional baseball player from the United States who played as a catcher. Hearn is best known for his time with the New York Mets, with whom he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on April 11, 1986. Over the course of his career, Hearn also played for the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox, though his playing time was limited due to injuries and health issues.

Early Life and Career

Born in Stuart, Florida, Ed Hearn grew up with a passion for baseball. He played the sport throughout his high school years and went on to play college baseball. His promising talent as a catcher was recognized early on, leading to his selection by the New York Mets in the 1978 MLB Draft.

Professional Career

Hearn's professional career began in the minor leagues, where he spent several years honing his skills as a catcher. His major league debut came in 1986 with the Mets, a year that would see the team win the World Series. Hearn's contribution to the team, though limited in playing time, was part of a memorable season for the Mets.

In 1987, Hearn was traded to the Kansas City Royals. His time with the Royals, and later with the Chicago White Sox, was plagued by injuries, including a shoulder injury that significantly affected his playing ability. These health issues ultimately led to a premature end to his playing career.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from professional baseball, Ed Hearn has been active as a motivational speaker and author. He has shared his experiences of overcoming adversity and the lessons learned from his career and personal challenges, including his battle with kidney disease and subsequent transplants.

Hearn has also been involved in various charitable activities, particularly those related to organ donation awareness. His work in this area has been recognized with several awards and honors.

Legacy

Ed Hearn's legacy in baseball is marked by his role in the 1986 World Series-winning New York Mets team. Despite the challenges he faced with injuries and health issues, his perseverance and positive attitude have inspired many. Off the field, his contributions to raising awareness about organ donation and his motivational speaking have had a lasting impact.

See Also

• List of New York Mets players
• List of Kansas City Royals players
• List of Major League Baseball players with chronic illnesses