Our guest’s story is one of relentlessness and optimism, worthy of a movie or book. It’s the story of major league baseball dreams that first came true in 2008, when he got called up by the padres to serve as a fill-in for an injured player. He played in 19 games, starting in 11, and hitting .205.   Like any professional player, he hoped to stay there. But instead, in 2009, he was back in the minors. 

But even as he was stuck in the minors, he said that month and a half in the majors were the greatest days of his life and part of why he was still going into his 30s.

In 2019, he re-signed a minor league deal with Atlanta, and had one of his best seasons.  Then the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020 and the minor league season was cancelled.   After an absence of 12 years 6 months and 25 days he was back playing in a major league ballpark.  Rudy say hello to Atlanta brave, Sean Kazmar, Jr.

About Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger

Today, a highly sought after motivational speaker, Rudy entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He reaches school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of "YES I CAN" stays with his audiences forever. Rudy's opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant "RU-DY, RU-DY!"

About Joe Garner

When it comes to America's popular culture, six-time New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner has become one of its premiere chroniclers.  See all his books here.

He's been featured on the Today Show, CNN, Fox & Friends and hundreds of radio programs nationwide.  Joe's books have also become Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, Sports Illustrated and USA Today bestsellers.

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