Josh Stevens isn't your average High School baseball pitcher. In fact, the reason he's special isn't even because he only has one arm. Josh is one of the top pitchers at Vestavia Hills High School, a powerhouse program in Alabama. It just so happens that he's a bit unique in another way.

Being born with only one full arm, Josh Stevens learned how to play baseball at the age of 5. Pitching with his condition is nothing special to him, it's all he's ever known.

"I feel like I can go out and compete with guys that do have two arms...I want to do that, and be held to the same standard." - Josh Stevens

College baseball next year

He'll go on to play college baseball next year at Huntingdon College, a DIII school in Alabama.

Watching him pitch is fascinating. He's so fluid with the switch of the glove from the rib cage, to his right hand and back. Take a look for yourself in the video to follow.

Stories like this are fascinating for many reasons. Besides the obvious, it's cool to hear guys like this talk about how they just want to be one of the guys. They don't want any special treatment, and they just want to be held to the same standard. I imagine as a coach this is difficult, but I'm sure guys like Josh Stevens give their coaches no choice.

Josh told AL.com all the other normal teen things he takes part in, from dugout banter with his teammates, to playing video games (yes with one hand), to working out in the gym.

His gym sessions consist of squats, leg presses, lunges, and the like. One hell of a consistent workout routine for an aspiring pitcher. He's got dreams of playing big league ball like the rest of us. Who wouldn't want to follow in the big league footsteps of guys like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Kris Bryant? They've inspired that dream in thousands of high school baseball players.

Likened to Jim Abbot

Stevens wouldn't be the first pitcher to make it mainstream playing with only one hand. Remember Jim Abbott? Abbot pitched in the big leagues for ten seasons with the Angels, Yankees, White Sox, and Brewers.

Over his career, he posted a 4.25 ERA in 1674 innings. He finished 3rd in Cy Young voting in 1991, three seasons in the top 10 of league ERA, and even threw a no-hitter with the Yankees in 1991. Oh yeah, and he did it without a right hand.

Next time you're struggling in a game or at practice, let stories like Josh Stevens put your excuses into perspective. But don't take it from me, watch the video AL.com put out featuring Josh's story this week. You'll see what a normal kid he is, and notice how he trivializes the challenges he faces living life and pitching with only one hand. Get 'em, kid.
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