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Winning with Epilepsy
With Philadelphia one game away from a spot in the World Series for the first time in 15 years, the team is likely looking back at their greatest players, and hoping to live up to their legacy. One of those great players was Grover Cleveland Alexander, who pitched for the Phillies from 1911 - 1917. Alexander is the winningest pitcher ever in the National League, and the third winningest pitcher in Major League Baseball history, with 373 wins. If these accomplishments weren't enough, Alexander earned all these wins while living with epilepsy.
In his first season of what would be a very successful career, Alexander was beaned by a ball on a run to first base, and suffered an injury that likely contributed to his seizures later in life. While we may still have challenges today, epilepsy was a whole lot harder to deal with a hundred years ago, and Alexander was up against a lot, in terms of medical care and public education. Despite the hardship, Alexander achieved greatness in life, and in sport. I have to admit - I'm not usually this interested in baseball, but I like to think that a few Philadelphia players are channelling Grover Cleveland Alexander this week!
Posted by Kathryn Sykes at October 14, 2008 4:45 PM
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