HOBOKEN, NJ — José Mosquera lost his leg when he was 12 years old. It was also when he discovered his love for baseball. Now, the Colombia native’s inspiring journey is touching the hearts of sports fans and disability advocates across the nation, including those in New Jersey and Florida.
Seven years ago, Mosquera – who lives in a small town in the remote rainforest region of Chocó, Colombia – was aboard a tractor when it overturned while carrying fuel to a local mine. After the tragic accident, Mosquera spent years learning how to live with an amputated leg.
And it was the power of baseball that gave him a light at the end of the tunnel.
According to Project Béisbol – a nonprofit that creates “life-changing opportunities” for youth through the sport of baseball – Mosquera’s journey isn’t just the tale of a single person… it’s the story of an entire community.
“Chocó, Colombia, where José lives, is an extremely isolated and impoverished area. The children have very little resources and opportunities. Even on one leg, José was one of the first children to come out to play when Project Beisbol came to Chocó. He’s a happy, responsible and talented young man, determined to compete with the others on the field and to be a leader in his community.”
While Mosquera’s community may be low-income, it doesn’t lack in spirit, Project Béisbol reports.
“Community leaders have begun to use baseball as a tool for social change and the kids love it… their enthusiasm, determination and energy is contagious,” the nonprofit writes (story continues below video).
After meeting Mosquera and hearing his story, Project Béisbol president and founder Justin Halladay decided to intervene.
“We have invited José on the exchange for the same reason we have fought to get him a prosthetic leg – because he’s a determined kid from a vulnerable and isolated community that has suffered terribly,” Halladay said.
And so began the quest to bring the teen to the U.S. and give him a new, high-tech prosthetic leg.
JED LOWRIE: ‘IT SPEAKS VOLUMES TO WHAT THE GAME MEANS’
Among Mosquera’s early supporters were MLB All-Star Jed Lowrie and his wife, Milessa.
According to a blog post from the NY Mets, after hearing about Mosquera’s story from Halladay, Lowrie immediately wrote a check to cover the costs of a prosthetic leg and the procedure.
“Milessa and I were truly inspired by the video of José playing the game on one leg,” Lowrie said. “It speaks volumes to what the game means to so many. We wish him the best with the fitting process and look forward to meeting him.”
Despite his disability, the 17-year-old from Choco, Colombia, has kept a positive attitude and developed a passion for the game that few others would have, taking to the field on crutches, but fielding and batting without any help, the Mets reported.
Watch a video of Mosquera putting his unique stance to work during batting practice here, and learn more about his inspiring journey in the below video.
You can make a donation to benefit Project Béisbol here. Funds raised will be used to cover ongoing leg maintenance and transportation costs, as well as baseball and education costs for Mosquera, Project Béisbol said.
VISITING NEW JERSEY, FLORIDA
Recently, officials at the U.S. Department of State paid homage to the teen’s courageous efforts, helping Project Béisbol to bring Mosquera and other members of his team on a trip to the United States.
After getting a chance to participate in some friendly baseball and softball games, community service projects and cultural activities, Mosquera and his fellow ballplayers met Lowrie at spring training in Port Saint Lucie, Florida earlier this month.
On March 12, Mosquera continued his tour of the U.S., arriving at the latest stop in his inspiring journey – Orlando, Florida – where he had a fitting for his prosthetic leg.
Last weekend, Mosquera and other young ballplayers from Colombia visited Hoboken, New Jersey, where they learned more about the “birthplace of baseball,” as well as the city’s own female Little League trailblazer, Maria Pepe.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said Mosquera is an avid baseball player and inspiring young man.
“Despite the loss of his leg during an accident, José continues to display a love for the sport and a positive outlook on his future,” Bhalla said.
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