Journey to Every MLB Ballpark: How One Man’s Grapple with Health Fuels His Passion to Reach Sutter Health Park and Beyond

Michael Stearn, a Massachusetts man, is on a personal journey that combines baseball with the spirit of adventure. He aims to visit all 29 Major League Baseball parks in the United States, starting from California. His next stop? Sutter Health Park, the temporary new home of the Oakland Athletics.

What drives Stearn’s mission is a search for peace. After undergoing two liver transplants and facing the reality of a possible third, he’s on the road to embrace life. “You begin to appreciate every moment,” he shares. For him, visiting ballparks isn’t just fun; it’s a healing process as he travels in a motorhome, taking in the sights and sounds across the country.

His journey isn’t taken alone. Stearn travels with his friend, an Army veteran, both of them seeking solace through adventure. They are joined by Bayley, his rescue dog, who’s experienced her own transformation from an anxious shelter pup to a happy traveler. “Now she runs around chasing rabbits and enjoying life,” Stearn says, smiling at the joy their trip brings to both of them.

So far, he has visited places like Chase Field in Phoenix, Petco Park in San Diego, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. His recent excitement surrounds the upcoming game at Sutter Health Park. “I can’t wait to see how they’ve renovated it and what Sacramento has to offer,” he noted.

The significance of his trip is profound, reflecting a broader truth about life and health. According to the National Institutes of Health, just over 18% of liver transplant recipients face complications later, underscoring the urgency of living fully while you can. Stearn feels this on a personal level, knowing that his liver may only last a few more months. Yet, he holds hope for a couple more years if he can get approved for another transplant. “Maybe I’ll end my trip in Chicago or even in my hometown in Massachusetts. I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he mused.

Through each home run he witnesses, Stearn finds a message of resilience. The fresh air, the ballparks, and the beautiful landscapes are all reminders that life is about making memories. “The real strikeout would be not living life to the fullest,” he says, embodying a spirit that inspires those who follow his journey online.

As Michael continues this heartfelt adventure, many are drawn to his story. His social media presence, titled “Dying on the Diamond”, captures his progress and the beauty of each moment. If you want to support him, you can visit his online fundraiser to help fuel his journey.

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Athletics, Major League Baseball, West Sacramento