Landis Sims Not the First Child to Sign with Yankees

The New York Yankees organization has been referred to as the Evil Empire by some over in the Boston area but in my opinion that couldn't be the farthest thing from the truth. For example, New York didn't disappoint last week and didn't leave a dry eye in the room when they signed Landis Sims, a young man who was born without any hands or any lower legs, to a one-day contract that invited him to the Yankees spring training camp. This is not the first time the organization has signed a child to a one-day contract to set the tone and lead the charge, it has actually happened three times before Mr. Sims did it.

The Yankees organization signed three children during HOPE Week 2014 after all three were diagnosed with brain cancer. Ryan Tucker (12), Sean Callahan (11) and Quinn Ostergen (4) signed with the Yankees when the club showcased the Friends of Jaclyn organization during their annual HOPE Week.

The three signed their one-day contracts at the same table that players like Masahiro Tanaka and Brian McCann signed their contracts and even participated in stretching and batting practice before staying in the dugout for a game. Ostegren was the first female to ever sign a professional contract with the Yankees and is still fighting the disease along with her cousin, Tucker. Unfortunately Callahan lost his battle with the disease at age 15 in 2015.

Yankees Sign 10-Year Old Born Without Hands or Legs to One-Day Contract

The New York Yankees strike again as they lead the charge not only on the field but off the field as well. A 10-year old boy named Landis Sims was born without hands or lower legs but that did not stop him from realizing his dream to be a member of the New York Yankees. The team, often called the “Evil Empire” by some in Boston and around the country, signed Sims to a one-day contract this week and invited him to spring training game. The fourth grader watched some of his idols take batting practice and participate in spring camps as a part of the team.

Sims uses a prosthetic, which dons Derek Jeter’s #2 by the way, to play second base in his school in Elizabeth, Indiana and doesn’t let his 4’7” frame slow him down. Landis uses a football shinguard in his glove to field and uses a prosthetic attachment to help him hold the bat while hitting and even played Little League in recent years with the devices.

The best part of it all though? Besides being an inspiration, making a few people cry and living out his lifelong dream? He received a signed bat from Alex Rodriguez that was signed “to a great teammate.” From one inspiration to another. Well done New York, well done.