One-Armed Little Leaguer Shines on the Diamond

Summerville Little League's season began March 17, and for the fourth consecutive year, Jagger Kenyon will return as a first baseman. Original story ran Fall 2012. 

Original story: Jagger Kenyon of Summerville has dedicated every spring and fall to Summerville Little League since he was 7.

He's just a middle-schooler now, but four years is a long time when you're 11.

It's the competition, the fun and the getting better with every practice that draws the Oakbrook Middle School student back to the game with every season. 

The first baseman is already making a name for himself.

He's polite, outgoing, has an infectious smile and earnest way of talking, and he's known for being an outstanding athlete on the field.

But that might not be the first thing you notice about him.

Jagger is missing his right arm below the elbow due to a prenatal condition called embryonic banding.

It's not something he's embarrassed about. He's used to fielding questions from the curious and perhaps lobbing a few jokes their way.

As the Little League fall season draws to a close Saturday, he already has his sights on spring ball, when he hopes to make the all-star team.

In that respect, he's not much different than the hundreds of other children who find fun and competition in the non-profit, self-sustaining league. 

Jagger's interest in baseball grew out of watching Youtube videos of Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott, who famously was also missing his right hand.

"He was unique like me, with one hand, playing in the pros," Jagger said. "If he can do it, I can do it."

For Jagger, who previously played soccer, there was no learning process.

"It felt smooth to actually play baseball," Jagger recalled on his first time playing. "It's fun. You can keep on getting better and better with practice. You can have fun playing it."

While he played basketball last winter, he's thinking only baseball now. Not only is he hoping to be an all-star next year, but he also wants to play for his school. In the future, he hopes to play college ball. 

His dad Dennis Kenyon coaches the Mustangs (also known as the Braves) and Jagger. 

"For us, Little League is fantastic," Kenyon said. "I love it because we get to spend a lot of time together."

The twosome practice two days a week and play one day a week, but Jagger said having the coach at home means he gets a little extra practice time off the field. 

"He's incredibly fast with getting the glove off and throwing," Kenyon said. Kenyon said probably the only thing Jagger has ever struggled with one-handed has been tying his shoes — but he's just as good at that now as any other kid.

For Jagger, fielding the ball, losing the glove and throwing, it's just second nature.

"I don't think I had to really learn that," he said. "It felt normal. I'm happy that the coaches that I have have not treated me differently than the kids with two hands." 

Jagger said Little League has also been a way to meet more kids outside of his school.

"I can make more friends," he said.

He added that it has an added bonus too, a competitive spirit that let's him shine. "No one can really judge you." 

Kenyon said the league's openness extends to all the families participating.

"Summerville Little League is a great organization. They've always been really good to us and all the families," Kenyon said. 

For other children thinking about joining the league, Jagger had some advice.

"You just have to try. It might not be your sport but you should try rather than not do it at all," Jagger said.

Summerville Little League is registering now for spring ball. Cost is $75. Click here to register.