A Game of Perseverance
The Louisville Slugger Warriors National Amputee Baseball Team brought a blend of athletic skill and personal narrative to Sioux Falls this week, hosting a screening of their 2025 documentary Curveballs: Secrets to the Game of Life at the El Riad Shrine before taking the field against the Sioux Amateur Baseball League All‑Star Team. The Warriors secured a 13‑6 victory, but the score was secondary to the stories shared on and off the diamond.
Parker Hanson‑Harden, an Augustana alum who was born without a left hand, has been a mainstay on the Warriors for eight years. He and his wife Olivia, whom he met while playing baseball in Naples, Florida, now call Sioux Falls home and work locally — he as a wealth‑management advisor at Merrill Lynch. Hanson‑Harden’s journey, from childhood baseball dreams to amputee competition, was highlighted during the event, illustrating how the sport has become a platform for broader advocacy.
The documentary features former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, who also entered the majors with a single hand, offering mentorship to Hanson‑Harden and underscoring a lineage of athletes who have turned physical differences into strengths. Tech. Sgt. Derrick Victor, a Purple Heart recipient and one of the team’s longest‑tenured members, spoke about how the Warriors have become a surrogate family, providing motivation and purpose after his own wartime injuries.
Funding for the team’s non‑profit initiatives relies heavily on local contributions, with venues such as the Sanford Sports Complex and community sponsors stepping in to cover travel, equipment and outreach costs. The event drew families, veterans and local fans, reinforcing the organization’s mission to foster connections between players and the wider Sioux Falls community.
Beyond the win‑loss column, the Warriors’ presence has sparked conversations about resilience, inclusion and the power of sport to unite diverse groups. Their story continues to ripple through schools, rehabilitation centers and public spaces, reminding audiences that perseverance can rewrite the narrative of what is possible.