SerpApi.Org
For 16-year-old Jace Cargal, playing baseball has never been about what he can't do. It's about finding a way to do it.
Jace was born with one hand, but that has never stopped him from chasing his dream of playing baseball.
His determination and work ethic have earned him a spot on a showcase team, where he competes alongside some of the top high school players.
"He's amazing," said coach Trevor Pickering. "He's that person that believes he can do anything. If you spend any amount of time with Jace, you'll start to understand he really can."
Jace started playing baseball when he was 4 years old. Instead of lowering expectations, his parents encouraged him to adapt and figure out how to play the game his own way.
"My mom just kept pushing me to the next level," Jace said. "Whenever I said I couldn't do anything, she was like, ‘Yes, you can.'"
His mother also taught him an important lesson that has stayed with him throughout his life.
"I thought I was disabled, and she told me that everything is possible as long as you have the right mindset," Jace said.
Over the years, Jace developed his own techniques on the field. After fielding the ball, he quickly removes his glove, transfers the ball to his throwing hand and makes the play.
"It was hard because, having one hand, you can't do everything as fast as everybody else can," Jace said. "Whenever I get the ball, I take the glove off, get the ball with this hand and throw it."
He has become a dependable second baseman and also shines on the pitcher's mound.
"I really liked pitching since I was young," Jace said. "I just thought that you get more attention on the mound than you do at any other spot."
At the plate, Jace and his father spent years practicing to find a batting style that worked for him.
"Me and my dad would practice every day," he said.
Away from baseball, Jace enjoys riding motorcycles and ATVs and spending time fishing.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue playing baseball at the college level.
His advice for anyone facing obstacles is simple: "Everything is achievable as long as you have the right mindset."
