Jacob's Ride

It's every die-hard baseball fan's dream to visit all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks, and Jacob Landis is making that dream come true in 2013.

Combining his three passions - baseball, cycling and helping the hearing impaired - Jacob isn't stopping at simply making his own dreams come true. By age 10, Jacob had lost his hearing and received a life-changing cochlear implant surgery, which allowed him to hear more clearly. The 24-year-old believes he has a special purpose in the deaf community. By embarking on a 175-day, 10,500-mile bicycle trip across America (and Canada!), "Jacob's Ride" is attempting to raise awareness and money for cochlear implants for those affected by hearing loss that cannot afford them.

On May 7, 2013, Jacob will be making his stop at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio to watch the Indians take on the Oakland Athletics. The Indians are planning to honor Landis and his cause by having him throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.

As a person affected with hearing loss myself, a story like this truly inspires me. The baseball community has once again proved to be an incredible supportive group, especially when it comes to helping those in need.

You can follow his journey or donate to Jacob's Ride on his website, JacobsRide.com