Guilford alum Adam Greenberg turned MLB tragedy to tenacity
GUILFORD, Conn. (BVM) – Guilford High School graduate (Class of 1999) and current Branford resident Adam Greenberg has an unfortunate story that resonates with so many. During his very first at bat in the MLB – with the Chicago Cubs in 2005 – Greenberg was hit in the head by a fastball going over 90 MPH and it changed the course of his life forever.
Greenberg was destined for greatness coming out of high school as a three-sport captain in baseball, soccer and basketball. Significantly, he was the first player in Connecticut history to be selected to four all-state baseball teams. He went on to play baseball with the UNC Tar Heels before making his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs.
During a nationally televised game on July 9, 2005, Greenberg stepped up to the plate for the Cubs against Marlins pitcher Valerio de los Santos. It was the 24-year-old’s very first plate appearance in the Majors and it would be his last for seven whole years to come. The non-graphic, disheartening moment of Greenberg getting hit in the head with a fastball can be seen below.
In the days following the hit, Greenberg experienced issues with bright lights, migraines, his vision and vertigo. So he had no choice but to leave the Majors and play in the minors instead as he dealt with the post-concussion symptoms.
On Oct. 2, 2012, Greenberg was given one last chance to bat in the Majors. After petitioning from fans, the Miami Marlins in a kind act gave Greenberg a one-day contract. He ultimately had a three-pitch strikeout and fans rose to their feet to applaud Greenberg and his first recorded at bat in the MLB.
Today, the 41-year-old is retired from baseball, but has been coaching local youth teams as a way to stay close to the game. He continues to use his story as an example for others to never quit – even when life actually hits you in the face.
He’s written a book called, “Get Up: The Art of Perseverance,” to help others overcome adversity. Greenberg is also a motivational speaker and he uses his story of perseverance to inspire others. He’s taken on several other big projects in the years after his MLB career was cut short. His LinkedIn shows an array of them, including his time as an ESPN analyst and CEO of health and wellness company Lurong Living.
“Changing lives in a positive way is my daily goal,” reads Greenberg’s LinkedIn bio. “I have been blessed and fortunate to have overcome so many of life’s challenges and to have had the opportunities that I have had to this point.”
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