Ben Petrick was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 1995 draft. Ben was rated one of the top 100 prospects in baseball between 1997-1999. Ben suffers from Parkinson’s Disease.
Ben, thanks for taking some time for us. I know this is normally 5 questions with Norm, but I would like to ask you a few more than normal.
You were a top prospect for a couple of years. What was that experience like?
It was great. I remember feeling proud of being a top prospect for the Rockies. I also was well aware that it didn’t mean I would automatically go out and get hits and throw people out. I needed to put the work in to improving my game so I could live up to the billing. It did for sure add more pressure to my career, but I would have rather had it than not.
In the Fall of 1999 you experienced your first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, what were they and what was going through your mind?
I was 22 at the time, and I sat down to send an e-mail. I started typing and quickly noticed that my left hand wasn’t keeping up with my right. I began giving my self little dexterity tests and I realized that I was really having problems performing them with my left hand. I was concerned right away because my dad five months before started having a tremor in his left hand which they thought was Parkinson’s so I was wondering if I might have the same thing.
You played four seasons while suffering from Parkinson’s, how did you do it? And you hid it from your teammates right?
My Parkinson’s was easy to hide. I didn’t have a significant tremor so for the most part my problem was rigidity. So I became really good at tucking my hand in my pocket or crossing my arms whenever I was in a scenario that my PD could be exposed. As far as playing, I was fortunate that my illness did not progress very fast from 1999-2003. It got worse but I still managed to swing a bat, not as good as time went on, but I could do it. I switched to playing the outfield in 2002 and that helped prolong my career. Finally in 2003 and the beginning of 2004 my symptoms were really beginning to interfere with my play. I knew I was taking too much medication, so I shut it down.
In 2009 you went through a risky procedure Deep Brain Stimulation. What is Deep Brain Stimulation, and what were some complications from it?
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgery where they implant electrodes deep in your brain usually in the substancia niagra where the lack of dopamine is causing your neurons to misfire. These electrodes are then tunneled out of your head and down your neck and connected to a “generator” or battery/computer this is then set by a programmer to be turned on to a certain setting that gives the individual Parkinson’s patient the best benefit from the electricity in each electrode. Risks of surgery is brain hemorrhage, stroke, infection. I developed an infection in my brain following the first attempt and spent two weeks in the hospital nearly losing my life.
Faith is an important piece of your life, have you always followed the Lord? And if not when did you start?
Yes, I have always followed the Lord. I grew up going to church every Sunday, but didn’t develop a personal relationship until a few years ago. It used to be a convenience thing, whenever I needed him I would pray but do nothing else the rest of the time. It has really been a good thing to finally put my trust and faith into him on a daily basis.
With all that has happened to you and your family, what has been the most important thing you have taken away from it?
That’s kind of a tough question because there a few things that having a disease like this does for you. I would say that the most important thing it has done is that it has made me realize what is most important in life. Family and friends, and cherishing the moments you have with them. Not taking for granted being able to physically do things with my kids or go on a walk with my wife. I know there is a real possibility that I won’t be able to do that in the future so I try my best to be in the moment
What are you doing these days?
Well, I wrote a book “40,000 to One.” I travel and speak at different Parkinson’s or baseball events, or any events for that matter. I will be an assistant coach for the third year at Glencoe High school (in Hillsboro) and will be sort of a “special coach” or consultant for the new Hillsboro Hops minor league team here in town this summer. My most important job is being a stay at home dad.
What advice would you give to young ball players?
Have fun, be in control of your emotions. Once you realize that you will fail more than you will succeed (at least when hitting) you will be able to put less pressure yourself to perform. Have fun, but play each game like it’s your last, because it could be.
How can I reach ben?