Duane Radicioni just can’t be counted out
2016-08-24
Strike one! Strike two! You’re out!
Softball players, officials and team fans alike are fascinated by the softball pitcher who does not allow his disability to deter his competitive spirit. Duane Radicioni suffered a baseball injury in high school, which triggered Gorham’s disease and massive bone loss that ultimately led to the amputation of his right leg.
The 15-year NASA veteran who works for Barrios Technology has defied the expectations of many his entire life. He placed second at a national power-lifting meet after his injury, and in college volunteered to help teach children with disabilities learn how to snow ski.
“Life in general is about overcoming obstacles and coming out on the other side a little stronger and wiser,” Radicioni said. “If, in some way, I can help another individual break through to reach their potential, I am all for it.”
Radicioni started at NASA as an International Space Station flight controller. Later, he moved into management and currently supervises the Mission and Research Operations group that manages and integrates information for the International Space Station Program.
About five months ago, he was convinced by his teammates to join the Mission and Program Integration (MAPI) coed softball team.
“It started out as team building, but as any competitor knows, it brought back the drive to play team sports,” Radicioni said. “MAPI Marvels is becoming a force to be reckoned with.”
The 40-year-old said he looks forward to playing every week, but acknowledges he’s received a few interesting looks from other players and their fans “because they haven’t seen a one-legged guy play softball before … no harm, no foul.”
The sportsmanship and competitive spirit he displays is admired by the Starport faculty, as well.
“We don’t know much about his background, but just seeing him hustle around the field on one leg strikes me as maybe the most remarkable display of spirit I have ever seen in the sport,” said one umpire.
Radicioni and his wife lead an active personal life, keeping up with their three children who enjoy participating in gymnastics, soccer and other sports. He said his greatest accomplishments are his children and his ability keep up with them.
“I’d like to thank my fellow teammates, the Starport sports faculty and the umpires,” Radicioni said. “They’re the ones having to put up with our shenanigans every week, keeping things light and spirited out on the fields.”
Radicioni said he hasn’t encountered anyone who takes it easy on him on the field. In fact, another team offered him a spot on its roster.
“Now that’s a compliment,” he said.
Interested in joining in on some team sports yourself? Starport has a whole roster of offerings for those looking for recreational or competitive play. See what’s new on their website: https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/
Jaira Pereznegron
NASA Johnson Space Center
Softball players, officials and team fans alike are fascinated by the softball pitcher who does not allow his disability to deter his competitive spirit. Duane Radicioni suffered a baseball injury in high school, which triggered Gorham’s disease and massive bone loss that ultimately led to the amputation of his right leg.
The 15-year NASA veteran who works for Barrios Technology has defied the expectations of many his entire life. He placed second at a national power-lifting meet after his injury, and in college volunteered to help teach children with disabilities learn how to snow ski.
“Life in general is about overcoming obstacles and coming out on the other side a little stronger and wiser,” Radicioni said. “If, in some way, I can help another individual break through to reach their potential, I am all for it.”
Radicioni started at NASA as an International Space Station flight controller. Later, he moved into management and currently supervises the Mission and Research Operations group that manages and integrates information for the International Space Station Program.
About five months ago, he was convinced by his teammates to join the Mission and Program Integration (MAPI) coed softball team.
“It started out as team building, but as any competitor knows, it brought back the drive to play team sports,” Radicioni said. “MAPI Marvels is becoming a force to be reckoned with.”
The 40-year-old said he looks forward to playing every week, but acknowledges he’s received a few interesting looks from other players and their fans “because they haven’t seen a one-legged guy play softball before … no harm, no foul.”
The sportsmanship and competitive spirit he displays is admired by the Starport faculty, as well.
“We don’t know much about his background, but just seeing him hustle around the field on one leg strikes me as maybe the most remarkable display of spirit I have ever seen in the sport,” said one umpire.
Radicioni and his wife lead an active personal life, keeping up with their three children who enjoy participating in gymnastics, soccer and other sports. He said his greatest accomplishments are his children and his ability keep up with them.
“I’d like to thank my fellow teammates, the Starport sports faculty and the umpires,” Radicioni said. “They’re the ones having to put up with our shenanigans every week, keeping things light and spirited out on the fields.”
Radicioni said he hasn’t encountered anyone who takes it easy on him on the field. In fact, another team offered him a spot on its roster.
“Now that’s a compliment,” he said.
Interested in joining in on some team sports yourself? Starport has a whole roster of offerings for those looking for recreational or competitive play. See what’s new on their website: https://starport.jsc.nasa.gov/
Jaira Pereznegron
NASA Johnson Space Center