Adaptive Sports Star Throws First Pitch at Twins Game

By Stephanie Kocer

When the Minnesota Twins needed an inspirational athlete to help throw out the first pitch at an April game, they made a call to Ana Younker-Zimmerman. Ana has played everything from soccer, to softball, to bowling. Last year she was among 43 female athletes honored by the St. Paul Area Athena Awards. All this, despite being born without arms.

Ana was born in Haiti before being adopted and brought to the U.S. when she was 3. She attended St. Paul’s Humboldt High School and is currently in her transition program. She uses her toes and the edges of her feet to do most activities, including throwing out the pitch at the Twins’ game. She was able to throw the ball by using what she uses in adapted softball, which happens to be a whiffle ball that she can flick with her foot.

She says she’d like to continue to play sports and is hoping to attend college and become a mental health therapist. Check out photos from Ana’s pitching at the Twins’ game below!

http://www.startribune.com/humboldt-high-graduate-continues-to-inspire-tossing-first-pitch-at-twins-game/509562651/

***Photo credit to David Joles – Star Tribune