Today we welcome to the show Ricky Hill, who’s incredible story of perseverance served as the inspiration for the major feature film “The Hill” starring Dennis Quaid!
Ricky Hill will be the first to tell you “The Hill” isn’t about him. “The Hill” refers to the pitching mound on the ball field. While making it to the major leagues is extremely difficult for even a person of optimal health, Ricky achieved it after being diagnosed with severe spinal degenerative disease as a young boy.
And though his major league career was short-lived as his condition finally caught up to him, his pursuit of the dream of playing baseball at the highest level inspired everyone around him, and will surely inspire many many more through the release of the film.
We were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to interview Ricky in advance of the film, so we hope you’ll listen to his story and treat yourself to a night at the movies soon!
In this interview with Rickey, you’ll learn:
-Ricky’s childhood and learning of his degenerative spine disease…03:15
-Ricky’s personal faith journey…07:30
-The day the braces came off, but then another issue looms on the horizon…09:15
-What drove Ricky to pursue the big leagues, in spite of his spinal condition…12:18
-Why do people quit so easily?…15:00
-Handling the tension between the father’s differing plans for Ricky’s career…16:20
-What Ricky hopes to achieve through the upcoming movie release…19:00
-There’s always someone who’s got it worse off than you…23:30
-And much more!
Resources mentioned:
Guest’s bio and social handles:
The Baseball Legend and Inspiration for THE HILL movie.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas to a poor Baptist preacher, Rickey Hill’s life was a symphony of trials. Despite adversity, from poverty, bullying due to the braces on his legs, and balancing expectations and dreams, Rickey’s relentless pursuit of his passion in baseball made him one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen. His life is proof that every day is a canvas for growth, an opportunity to overcome hurdles and emerge stronger. Rickey’s journey is more than just a success story – it’s an inspiration for all to never let go of their dreams.
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