YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Dave Dravecky, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, cancer survivor and Youngstown native will speak Oct. 15 at DeYor Performing Arts Center’s Ford Family Recital Hall.
The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. There is no charge, but tickets are required and are available at DeyorPAC.org.
Dravecky gained national attention in the late 1980s as a standout left-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. A Boardman High School and Youngstown State University graduate, Dravecky began his MLB career with the San Diego Padres, helping lead the team to a strong 1984 season finish.
However, his rising baseball career was interrupted when he was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer in the deltoid muscle of his pitching arm. In the face of multiple surgeries, radiation treatments and, eventually, the amputation of his arm, Dravecky’s journey was one of courage, resilience and faith.
Dravecky and his wife, Jan, turned their pain into purpose. In 1991, they founded Endurance, a ministry offering hope and support to others navigating personal trials. He is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker, sharing his story of perseverance and faith through books such as “Comeback, Worth of a Man” and “Called Up: Stories of Life & Faith.” His message offers insight, inspiration and hope to those facing life’s most difficult moments.