S3E6: One Step at a Time - Dave Clark's Story of Grit, Kindness, and Purpose

In this inspiring episode, we meet Dave Clark, the only professional baseball player to pitch from crutches, and Doug Cornfield, the storyteller who helped bring Dave’s journey to life through books like A Pound of Kindness and Pulling Each Other Along. Together, they co-founded the D3 Foundation (Disability Dream & Do) to help kids with disabilities unlock their potential. This episode is their story of what happens when kindness, grit, and belief collide. Find out what turned Dave's moment of dread (teaser) into something truly unforgettable - this one small act of kindness sparked a movement, a book, and a future filled with hope. ✨⚾

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset is everything – Dave’s story demonstrates that ability is shaped more by mindset than by physical limitations
• Early encouragement matters – Small acts of belief, like a gym teacher insisting Dave try the rope climb, changed his trajectory
• Kindness echoes – A simple gesture by classmate Ernie Pound pulling Dave in a wagon became the inspiration for a children’s book and foundation
• 1% Better is a way of life – Every small improvement—one rope knot, one pitch, one more step—adds up to extraordinary achievements
• Pay it forward – Through the D3 Foundation, Dave and Doug now help kids with disabilities explore their full potential on and off the field

Get a copy of ⁠A Pound of Kindness⁠ children's book

Check out Doug's other book, ⁠Pulling Each Other Along⁠

Learn more about ⁠D3Day⁠ (Disability, Dream & Do)

Watch Dave Clark and Ernie Pound ⁠reunite⁠

Connect with Dave Clark on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Connect with Doug Cornfield on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Connect with Craig Thielen on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Check out host Craig Thielen's full ⁠bio page

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