Adam Greenberg gets his one at-bat with the Marlins

Adam Greensberg got his one at-bat and swings at the third strike against the New York Mets during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Miami, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Adam Greenberg was living his dream, called up to the major leagues at age 25, when he was hit by a 92 mile-an-hour fastball. But on Tuesday he got the second chance he always wanted after signing a one-day contract with the Miami Marlins.

At his first time up to bat with the Chicago Cubs against the Marlins on July 9, 2005, Greenberg was hit right under his ear. He suffered a concussion and was later diagnosed with vertigo, which caused chronic headaches and debilitating balance problems.

Adam was on the Cubs’ injured list for three weeks, and then sent to the minor leagues. Finally, he left baseball to start a health supplements company. Since then he’s played for the independent Atlantic League and the Israeli national baseball team.

“When you’re hit by a pitch, you’re not credited with an at-bat,” said show host Dori Monson.

Filmmaker Matt Liston heard Adam’s story and decided that he would rally to his cause. Matt recently started an online petition to get Greenberg his first at-bat and created a short documentary to support the effort.

Adam’s story started going viral and when Matt and Adam were on the Today Show together on September 27, they got a big surprise from the Miami Marlins.

“Well, Adam, we’d like to sign you to a one-day contract. And if you come to Miami, we’re going to put you in uniform and you’re going to be a member of the team, on Tuesday October 2nd against the New York Mets,” said Miami Marlins President David Sampson. “Believe me, you’re going to get one at-bat, so get ready.”

Tuesday night Adam fulfilled his dream and went up against 20-game winning pitcher R.A. Dickey in his first official at-bat during the sixth inning.

While Dori predicted Adam’s strike-out, saying that R.A. Dickey wouldn’t throw any easy balls, both Dori and Jake were rooting for him.

“What if he gets up to the plate and he just smashes it? What if he’s an awesome hitter? Wouldn’t that just be fantastic,” said Jake.

With his family in the stands, Adam was able to come back after seven years in recovery from his first disastrous appearance. Though he didn’t hit the ball, he got what most people never get: a second chance.

“I never stopped believing,” said Adam in an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle. “I never stopped trying.”

Listen to the full conversation on the Dori Monson Show:

By Jillian Raftery