A local wounded veteran is making his dreams come true. In 2006, Daniel 'Doc' Jacobs lost his leg in Iraq. Seven years later, he did what some may call impossible.
"They told me I would never be able to walk again," said Jacobs. "I wouldn't be able to stay active duty. I wouldn't be able to run, and I said okay challenge accepted. I'll do it."
Last week, he did more than run, he tried out for the L.A. Dodgers.
"I didn't want anyone to notice my leg," said Jacobs. "So, I would just run out there and ran like everybody else, did every drill like everybody else."
Growing up in Lake Isabella with his mom, playing baseball was his childhood dream.
"I hated coming to Bakersfield to play because we'd always get slaughtered," said Jacobs.
But, after high school Jacobs put that dream on hold and enlisted in the Navy.
"My Dad, he said, you can serve your country, but there's a time limit on that, so when you're done with what you're doing overseas you can come back and play baseball for the Navy," said Jacobs.
But, on February 25th, 2006 that plan was derailed.
"We were hit by an IED," said Jacobs. "We didn't see it coming. There were no signs of it."
Two of the Marines in the explosion died, including one from Bakersfield. Jacobs lost fingers and badly injured his legs.
"They wanted to amputate both legs at first, and I said that's not going to happen," said Jacobs.
But, eventually eight months into his recovery, doctors amputated his left leg.
"You know, the man upstairs isn't going to give you anything you can't handle so I just used that," said Jacobs. "I know I have to live my life for those who can't live theirs."
Seven years later, Jacobs is able to do this. He didn't set out to try out for the Dodgers. In fact, he's a Cleveland Indians fan. But, he couldn't turn down former Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda.
"'He said can you hit a baseball?' I said 'Yes, I can.' He said 'Can you hit a baseball' I said, 'Yes sir.'"
So on February 28th, he was in Glendale, Arizona, given no special treatment.
"I was honestly nervous a little bit and then I would tell myself 'hey, you survived a war, you've been through eight years of service, six and a half after injury so there's nothing that you can't do'," said Jacobs.
Jacobs didn't make the team, but he doesn't plan on quitting. He plans to try out again and again, a hero spreading his message through the love of the game.
"I just hope this story inspires disabled veterans and disabled people in general," said Jacobs.
Jacobs is the founder of Vetsports, an organization that helps disabled veterans get active. He's hoping someday soon to host an event in Bakersfield.
