I Felt the Cheers

The Remarkable Silent Life of Curtis Pride

by Curtis Pride

Published by: Kensington

Imprint: Dafina

240 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00 in, TWO 16-PAGE PHOTO INSERTS

ISBN: 9781496750518
On Sale: 02/25/2025
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / People with Disabilities

$29.00 (USD)

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From the deaf baseball legend and MLB Ambassador for Inclusion, a powerful anthem of ability diversity and overcoming the odds for readers of Nyle DiMarco’s Deaf Utopia and sports memoirs such as Imperfect by Jim Abbott, Des Linden’s Choosing to Run, and Limitless by Mallory Weggemann.

FOREWORD BY NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME MEMBER CAL RIPKEN, JR.

On a September night in Montreal in 1993, Curtis Pride got his first Major League hit, prompting a long, emotional standing ovation from the crowd of 45,757 fans. Profoundly deaf since birth, Pride couldn’t hear their thunderous applause. But as the cheers grew louder and more insistent, he realized he was feeling those vibrations within his chest—an undeniable acknowledgment of an extraordinary achievement.

Pride went on to play in 420 more major-league games over eleven different seasons with the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees. He was then hired as head baseball coach at Gallaudet, the world’s leading university for deaf and hard of hearing students and was also named Major League Baseball’s Ambassador for Inclusion. Pride has received countless national and local awards for his achievements and his service in inspiring and educating others.

With candor, warmth, and humor, Pride writes from the heart in I Felt the Cheers. From the first time he played T‑ball at age six and got a couple of hits, he dreamed of playing in the major leagues. No matter how unlikely it seemed, or how much skepticism he faced from teammates or coaches, Pride stayed resolute. Far from it being a disadvantage, he came to see that his deafness could sometimes be a secret weapon, forcing him to use senses that other players take for granted.

Curtis’s personal journey is unique, but his message is a powerful, universal one, sure to resonate deeply with everyone who has faced difficult challenges. I Felt the Cheers is living proof that dreams can come true, no matter how impossible they seem.

Praise for Curtis Pride and I Felt the Cheers:

"Curtis’s entire story is one that will inspire and encourage everyone. We remain so proud that one of our own has accomplished so much while demonstrating such class and character. You will enjoy learning about all of it here.” —Scott Van Pelt, Sportscaster and Host, SportsCenter on ESPN

“Curtis's journey, detailed in this inspiring memoir, showcases his ability to overcome challenges and emerge as a remarkable role model. I Felt the Cheers takes readers on an emotional journey, from adversity to moments of pure joy and love for the sport of baseball. It's a fantastic read that captures Curtis's spirit and resilience.” —Michelle Kwan, Five-time World Figure Skating Champion

“Curtis Pride did not hear all that we heard yesterday. He still got the better of the day. We did not feel what he felt.” —Mike Lupica, New York Daily News

“Curtis Pride's remarkable accomplishments show how, with perseverance, one can triumph against all odds. As the parent of a deaf adult son, it is bittersweet to read about the struggles and victories that come with following your dream. I Felt the Cheers is a deeply moving, candid account that goes far beyond the world of sports. It’s a compelling read for anyone looking for an understanding of determination and inclusivity. I highly recommend this book to any parent raising a child with any disability. Curtis's journey proves that with a supportive community, each and every child can overcome their challenges and pursue their passion.” —Holly Drezner, parent of Justin Drezner

“He was the most loved guy you ever want to have on your team. He is everywhere he goes.” —Bobby Cox, National Baseball Hall of Fame Member and Manager, Atlanta Braves 1990–2010

“He’s a man. I don’t know what better compliment I can say about him than that.” —Joe Torre, National Baseball Hall of Fame Member and Manager, New York Yankees 1996–2007

“Curtis is a tremendous athlete. He’s got a great baseball mind. He loves the game and knows the game, and that’s the bottom line. To us, he’s a ballplayer. He’s not a deaf ballplayer.” —Mike Scioscia, Manager, Los Angeles Angels 2000–2018

Pride spoke of the honor of wearing the Yankee pinstripes and playing with Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens and so many other superstars, which made one thing odd yesterday. He seemed oblivious to just how much his new teammates should be honored to be playing with him.” —Lawrence Rocca, Newark Star-Ledger

“In I Felt the Cheers Curtis Pride showcases why it will always be ability NOT disability that prevails.” —Mickey Carolan, Speaker, Author of Mom Dad Not Hear

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I Felt the Cheers

The Remarkable Silent Life of Curtis Pride