
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.
Former Athlete Ed Hearn is a Motivational and Inspirational Speaker
Determined to overcome this untimely setback, he made the successful transition into the “real world” of corporate America. But, 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 three life-saving kidney transplants, 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 twelve years, Ed Hearn has become one of this nation’s most highly sought after motivational speakers. Yes, his courage, faith and determination speak volumes as we face life’s challenges, but what makes him so uniquely special is his genuine desire to empower and uplift those around him. His inspiring, real life message leaves audiences remembering him not so much as an athlete, but more as a man who has had a lasting impact on their lives.
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 professional athlete from our country’s major league sports to receive this designation (only 8% of speakers throughout 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 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!
”Wow, what an inspiration! To have lived every boy’s dream, loose that dream, loose your health…your story has, and will continue to, touch millions of lives. You go boy, go!”
Oprah Winfrey, The Oprah Winfrey Show
”Conquering Life’s Curves is no fiction. It’s a hard-hitting tale of Ed’s struggles in and out of the game. It’ll make you laugh and it’ll make you cry. This is a story about the best kind of comeback. Ed has come full circle from a man who almost lost his life to a man who now empowers lives.”
George Brett, Baseball hall of Famer
“The road to success seldom climbs straight up the hill, but few go through the valleys that Ed has experienced. He shares his personal struggle, the soaring joys and the wrenching pain with a message that should inspire each of us to achieve new heights.”
Henry W. Bloch, Chairman of the Board, H&R Block
1) “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!
2) “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!
3)”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.