Arizona Diamondbacks executive Cory Hahn was honored as Baseball America’s Trailblazer of the Year for his unwavering commitment to positively impact those around him, the baseball outlet announced Thursday.
Hahn, who is currently one of two assistant directors of player personnel, has spent 10 years under the club’s baseball operations umbrella.
The 33-year-old (who recently celebrated his birthday on Wednesday) had his baseball career abruptly ended in 2011 as a freshman at Arizona State University. He slid headfirst into a base, critically injured his C-5 spinal cord and was paralyzed from the chest down.
Hahn did not let the life-altering moment limit his impact, however, and is actively using his story to inspire others battling similar physical challenges.
In 2018, Hahn and former ASU teammate and MLB veteran right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams started a non-profit called “Project 34,” which exists to support those with spinal cord injuries. The organization has raised more than $600,000 since its inception and was named after Hahn’s Sun Devil jersey number, 34.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named the 2024 Trailblazer of the Year by Baseball America,” Hahn said on X. “I hope my journey helps inspire the narrative of chasing your dreams and understanding we are all capable of dominating — key is don’t ever give up on yourself!”
The D-backs congratulated Hahn on the recognition in the wake of making several coaching moves on Thursday.
Congratulations to our very own Cory Hahn, @BaseballAmerica‘s 2024 Trailblazer of the Year! 👏 https://t.co/shO9AzcY7L
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) December 13, 2024
Diamondbacks’ Cory Hahn had pro-level ability
The Corona, California native not only played outfield and was a southpaw on the mound for Mater Dei High School, but he was a fixture of the 2009 USA Baseball U-18 roster alongside current MLB greats Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. The all-star team won gold at the COPABE “AAA” Pan Am Junior Championships in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
Hahn batted .333 (5-for-15) for four RBIs in six games for Team USA. He even bettered Philadelphia Phillies superstar Harper in plate efficiency (.294) but the first baseman already showed signs of power hitting with 12 RBIs and 20 total bases in eight starts.
“There are times I still think I should be on the field,” Hahn told Baseball America. “That has been the biggest hurdle for me to understand, but also it’s OK to still feel that way. That’s probably the biggest difference and the hardest challenge at times.”
Hahn received many heartfelt congratulations
The young scout was met with love from a variety of baseball and sports personalities:
Thanks Doug! https://t.co/yhA1dJIKpe
— Cory Hahn (@CoryHahn34) December 12, 2024
Congrats, Cory! This is so well deserved.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) December 12, 2024
Awesome!!! Cory is an ace. https://t.co/L8WznRUeob
— Jim Salisbury (@JimSalisbury215) December 13, 2024
Very happy for Cory and lucky to call him a friend. No better person I know https://t.co/iaHOm9UCTl
— Mike Ferrin (@Mike_Ferrin) December 13, 2024
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Publish date : 2024-12-14 17:35:00
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