Donny Sands spent seven months living in a car during high school. His long trek has led him to the Yankees, Phillies and now, Tigers. The catcher's path from homelessness to the big leagues:
Donny Sands lifts his left arm. His right index finger points to the words tattooed on his wrist. On one side, just above his catcher’s mitt, is his mother’s name.There are more tattoos up and down Sands’ arms: Roman numerals on his forearm representing the date his father died of a heart attack. Jan. 1, 2012. Sands was 15 years old. He has a rose and the verse Psalm 23:4 on one arm, a rosary on the other. A cross inked just behind his left ear.
In the days after Roger’s death, Sands, his mother and his younger brother, Bryan, were lost. Alma moved the family back to Tucson, and it was there Sands walked into a baseball facility where Vic Acuna, an instructor, was working. Acuna noticed a kid come through the door wearing purple soccer cleats. He chatted with the boy’s uncle, learned that the kid’s father had died, heard Donny was a heckuva baseball player.At home, Alma would set a timer for 5 minutes and toss those beans to her son.
Sands and Acuna, though, kept growing closer. Acuna wonders now if Sands was searching for a father figure, even if he didn’t know it. Acuna could be a hard-nosed coach. Sands was intense and edgy on the field. He thrived under Acuna’s tough style.I think it was really the first time he had been held accountable in a baseball setting,” Acuna said. “I think he appreciated the push.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ground search for missing Julian Sands 'imminent' in Californian mountainsA ground search for missing actor Julian Sands is being planned imminently in the southern Californian mountains, before the arrival of another storm in the region.
Read more »
WATCH: Tiny twin tigers born at Chester Zoo a 'cause for real celebration'Hidden cameras have captured a first glimpse of two rare Sumatran tiger cubs born at Chester Zoo.
Read more »
Hidden cameras capture birth of rare tigers twins at Chester ZooFootage from Chester Zoo has captured the birth and early life of two Sumatran tigers, a rare subspecies of the animal
Read more »
The university church service that has been going on for seven daysThe service began on a Wednesday and by the following evening 3,000 people had turned up to worship. Thanks to TikTok, there seems to be no sign of it slowing down.
Read more »
Nan married for almost seven decades gives her relationship adviceJoan Prescott has been married to her husband Stewart for an astonishing 67 years and has explained the secrets to having a long and happy life with your partner
Read more »
Seven Nation Army at 20: How The White Stripes created an anthem for a generationSince its release in 2003, Seven Nation Army has soundtracked some of the biggest moments in politics and sport 🎵 Not bad for a song the record label didn't want to release, writes shaun_curran
Read more »