Wounded veterans spread important message through softball

At first glance it looks like any other team in spring training. But for these players, getting ready for a game means putting on their prosthetics.

“Instead of putting on a pair shoes or socks, you’ve got to put on a leg or two legs in my case,” said retired Lance Cpl. Josh Wege.

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is made up of military veterans who were severely injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. Once afraid they’d never be able to walk again, these war heroes went through extensive rehabilitation to get back on their feet.

Now they travel the country playing only able-bodied teams, spreading this message:

“Our motto is life without a limb is limitless,” said head coach and Army veteran David Van Sleet.

“Our job is to inspire and to give a message of hope and perseverance,” Wege said.

The players train as hard as any other professional athlete both on the field and off.

“I try to get in the gym at least five days a week. I try to train my body because as amputees, we have to work a little bit harder,” Wege said.

But they don’t want your sympathy, they’re just here for some good competition, and to change people’s attitudes toward the disabled.

“I want them to look at me like an athlete. I don’t want them to see Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and think we should feel bad for them. We’re warriors until the end and just because we got hurt doesn’t mean we’re going to stop that,” Wege said.

Warriors who prove with each hit, throw and catch they have exactly what it takes to be champions.