Recovered From Hangman's Neck To Play Baseball

David Newhan of the San Diego Padres is an interesting story for several reasons. I love the story simply because as a surfer and baseball player he is passionate about baseball and the ocean. In many ways, looking back, I wish i could have balanced the two between work and school but my passion for the ocean won.

David suffered a nearly devastating injury in 2009 while diving off his surfboard and hitting a sand bar. The ocean floor is always changing so the possibility always exists for head and neck injuries in shallow and dangerous ocean conditions. His case is said to mirror that of former Superman character and actor Christopher Reeves. We remember Reeves' gut wrenching story from his fame and visibility in the media and remember clearly Chris's physical struggles. Perhaps what we remember about Chris and his struggles makes David's story so amazing.

The doctor allegedly told the nurse when he went in to get checked out that he had a hangman's broken neck. At that point surfing and playing baseball seem to go out the window. The injury itself does not sound pleasant any way you describe it.

Here in 2011 David is fighting for a role on the Padres Baseball Team and I myself am hoping he makes it. He seems to have a refreshing perspective and a new lease on life and that makes him someone we all root for, Padre fan or not. See the article at the following link:

http://www.thepostgame.com/features/201103/old-ballplayer-and-his-new-soul