One-armed little leaguer doesn't hold back, swings for the fences

A California little leaguer is being compared to a  major league legend.  Nine-year-old Will Baker is dominating in his favorite sport, baseball, despite being unable o use his right arm.

He is one of the smallest kids in the league, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up with speed.  Will can do with one hand what his teammates do with two.

"Now I'm just used to using one arm. I can't imagine learning how to do with both arms," he said.
A year-and-a-half ago Will contacted a rare virus that attacked his nervous system.

"Like Polio. It's not Polio, but it's like Polio and it left his right arm paralyzed," Will's father, Christopher Baker, said.

Surgeons helped Will regain the use of his hand, and a sling gives him stability.  By lifting his arem, he has just enough mobility to switch his glove from one hand to the other.  That's the result of Will's endless drive and determination.

Pity doesn't make plays, Will starts at first base because he can.  He struggles at the plate, however, but then again, so do the rest of his teammates.

His biggest fans believe the South Paw's baseball career will last as long as he chooses.

"In his mind, he's going to play for the Padres - first base," his father said.
Will is swinging for the fences. His goal to play professional baseball isn't just a pipe dream.  Pitcher Jim Abbott was born without a right hand and played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball.

"You never know until you actually try. So if you don't want to go hit, like sometimes I don't want to go hit, and then you get scared. My coach says you already struck out if you're scared before you hit," Will said.