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Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story: A Blind Broadcaster's Story of Overcoming Life's Greatest Obstacles
Soon to be a major motion picture, Seeing The Ed Lucas Story is the incredible true tale of a beloved Emmy-winning blind broadcaster who refused to let his disability prevent him from overcoming many challenging obstacles and achieving his dreams.
In 1951, when he was only twelve years old, Ed Lucas was hit between the eyes by a baseball during a sandlot game in Jersey City. He lost his sight forever. To cheer him up, his mother wrote letters to baseball superstars of the day, explaining her son’s condition. Soon Ed was invited into their clubhouses and dugouts, as the players and coaches personally made him feel at home.
Despite the warm reception he got from his heroes, Ed was told repeatedly by others that he would never be able to accomplish anything worthwhile because of his limitations. But Hall-of-Famer Phil Rizzuto became Ed’s mentor and encouraged him to pursue his passion—broadcasting. Ed then overcame hundreds of barriers, big and small, to become a pioneer—the first blind person covering baseball on a regular basis, a career he has successfully continued for six decades.
Ed may have lost his sight, but he never lost his faith, which got him through many pitfalls and dark days. When Ed’s two sons were very young, his wife walked out and left him to raise them all by himself, which he did. Six years later, Ed’s ex-wife returned and sued him for full custody, saying that a blind man shouldn’t have her kids. The judge agreed, tearing Ed's sons away from their father's loving home. Ed fought the heartbreaking decision with appeals all the way up to the highest level of the court system. Eventually, he prevailed, marking the very first time in US history that a disabled person was awarded custody over a non-disabled spouse.
Even in his later years, Ed is still enjoying a remarkably blessed life. In 2006, he married his second wife, Allison, at home plate in old Yankee Stadium, the only time that such a thing ever happened on that iconic spot. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner himself catered the whole affair, which was shown live on national television.
Seeing The Ed Lucas Story is truly a magical read and a universally uplifting and inspirational tale for everyone, whether or not you happen to be a sports fan. Over his long and amazing life, Ed has collected hundreds of anecdotes from his personal relationships and encounters with everyone, from kings and presidents to movie stars and sports Hall-of-Famers, many of which he shares in this memoir, using his trademark humorous and engaging style, cowritten with his youngest son, Christopher.
In 1951, when he was only twelve years old, Ed Lucas was hit between the eyes by a baseball during a sandlot game in Jersey City. He lost his sight forever. To cheer him up, his mother wrote letters to baseball superstars of the day, explaining her son’s condition. Soon Ed was invited into their clubhouses and dugouts, as the players and coaches personally made him feel at home.
Despite the warm reception he got from his heroes, Ed was told repeatedly by others that he would never be able to accomplish anything worthwhile because of his limitations. But Hall-of-Famer Phil Rizzuto became Ed’s mentor and encouraged him to pursue his passion—broadcasting. Ed then overcame hundreds of barriers, big and small, to become a pioneer—the first blind person covering baseball on a regular basis, a career he has successfully continued for six decades.
Ed may have lost his sight, but he never lost his faith, which got him through many pitfalls and dark days. When Ed’s two sons were very young, his wife walked out and left him to raise them all by himself, which he did. Six years later, Ed’s ex-wife returned and sued him for full custody, saying that a blind man shouldn’t have her kids. The judge agreed, tearing Ed's sons away from their father's loving home. Ed fought the heartbreaking decision with appeals all the way up to the highest level of the court system. Eventually, he prevailed, marking the very first time in US history that a disabled person was awarded custody over a non-disabled spouse.
Even in his later years, Ed is still enjoying a remarkably blessed life. In 2006, he married his second wife, Allison, at home plate in old Yankee Stadium, the only time that such a thing ever happened on that iconic spot. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner himself catered the whole affair, which was shown live on national television.
Seeing The Ed Lucas Story is truly a magical read and a universally uplifting and inspirational tale for everyone, whether or not you happen to be a sports fan. Over his long and amazing life, Ed has collected hundreds of anecdotes from his personal relationships and encounters with everyone, from kings and presidents to movie stars and sports Hall-of-Famers, many of which he shares in this memoir, using his trademark humorous and engaging style, cowritten with his youngest son, Christopher.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
9 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 10, 2025
I connected with this book in so many ways. My parents are blind. I am a teacher at a school for the blind. My parents, and many others I know, have guide dogs from Seeing Eye. I am a Lions Club member. My dad is a baseball fan. I listened to the audio from the library, but will buy my own copy because I will recommend it to others & use it as a reference tool. It is a great book for anyone working in the field of vision loss. Self advocacy, disability rights, self determination, job seeking, independent living, orientation & mobility, parenting, and every other area of the Expanded Core Curriculum, it covers everything. For those who do not have the good fortune to know someone with a visual impairment, read for your own enjoyment & education.
It is noted on the book summary, that it will be made into a movie. I highly recommend reading it before it does.
It is noted on the book summary, that it will be made into a movie. I highly recommend reading it before it does.
September 24, 2019
This book was highly recommended to me by a librarian. It's the memoir of a man who becomes completely blind as a pre-teen, but who has always loves baseball, and wants to stay involved. He does find other work while always trying to find a way to be involved in baseball, and he eventually works in the field he loves, and makes many friends among baseball management, players, and writers. Phil Rizzuto was a good friend, and especially helpful to him. It's a great true story, but I think it could have been better told, and the amount of religiosity was a little too much for me. Ed Lucas, however, lived (and is still living) an amazing, improbable life and it's worth knowing about.
May 18, 2017
This is a truly inspiring book about a man who led an amazing life. It is very well written and easy to read. I love baseball, but I am not a Yankee fan. However, after reading this book and seeing the kindness and generosity that most of the Yankee players and the organization showed to this man I will think differently about them in the future. This is a great book even if you don't like baseball. Mr. Lucas and those people he talks about in the book are an inspiration to anyone as they make their way through the challenges life throws at them.
July 17, 2020
One of the best book I’ve read. A mother who will go to great lengths for her child and succeed in turning his life around. A child who fights for opportunity’s despite his disabilities and nay- sayers and succeed. A blind man who sees more that a sited one. All the amazing people along the way really makes you believe in the good of humanity. Truly an inspirational story, and if you like baseball it’s an added bonus!!
June 23, 2024
Amazing story on so many levels:
*Living almost a whole lifetime w/ very low vision
*Becoming a baseball broadcaster in spite of this disability
*Being a single parent
*Overcoming obstacles and being a really good person all the way along
Read it if you love baseball or if you are just looking for a truly inspiring family story!
Excellent audiobook
*Living almost a whole lifetime w/ very low vision
*Becoming a baseball broadcaster in spite of this disability
*Being a single parent
*Overcoming obstacles and being a really good person all the way along
Read it if you love baseball or if you are just looking for a truly inspiring family story!
Excellent audiobook
October 5, 2019
This book was very good for a couple of reasons with facing adversity and the funny little things in it. It makes me feel that my life is so easy and put a new perspective. I recommend this book that wants a new perspective on things and likes baseball.
December 20, 2021
Very inspiring story of Ed Lucas, blind at age 12, who pursues a career as a baseball reporter for the New York Yankees. It is an account written by his two sons of the hardships and prejudices occurring with disability. It is an uplifting spiritual story too.
July 4, 2017
An inspiring story and a great read for baseball lovers.
June 22, 2021
A good nonfiction that was actually interesting and didn’t drag with excessive depth
March 6, 2017
Until a few days ago, I had never heard of Ed Lucas but now I know that his life is a testimony of hard work and doing what people said could NEVER be done. He did so many things that other people said he could "never" accomplish such as graduating from Seton Hall despite being blind and commuting daily with a Seeing Eye dog. Even Ed himself didn't think he could live a productive life when he was 12 and an accident took away his eyesight. But with the guidance of his parents, teachers, nuns and several professional baseball players he smashed barrier after barrier. His Catholic faith brought him through some hard times, too. Ed Lucas became a famous sports reporter with lots of friends including ball players, team owners, reporters and a few US Presidents. I am not a sports fan but that did not stop me from enjoying this audio book read by his son, Christopher.
June 22, 2016
Despite my sporadic sports watching, how the heck did I miss Ed Lucas’ story until now? I have no idea, especially given that I live in NJ, his home state. I am grateful to have read this book — and I say that with complete sincerity. If it’s at all possible, I feel like I am a better person just for having read it, and because, ever since, I have told so many other people about Ed Lucas. I have told people who, in fairness, have not asked for this information, or indicated in any way they were looking for something to read. Ed Lucas has an amazing story to tell, and I was stunned at his optimism in the face of so many obstacles. His story of perseverance, passion, and drive provides an extraordinary life lesson.
So here are my small disclaimers. First, he is a Catholic, and this is truly just a part of his basic dialogue – he is astonishingly grateful despite the blows he has suffered, and he is not shy about praising God. I am also Catholic, and I think a little ultra-sensitive about perceptions (Spotlight, anyone?), but seriously, I did not find it offensive or pushy. Second, and this is not a criticism, but there is virtually no dirt dished in this book, if that’s what you were hoping to find. The very few times Lucas disparages anyone involve public figures well known for their nastiness.
My thoughts immediately after reading this were regarding getting this in the hands of every middle-school boy or girl who needs to read a biography for school. It is a terrific example of a story that is relevant, deals with big issues in a gentle way, and includes a ton of interesting history about sports as well as the world of a blind person. Aside from that, everyone else should read it. I am assigning it to you for summer reading — it’s perfect timing and will get you in the mood for the baseball season as it hits its stride. You don’t need to write a report, but a comment would be nice.
Ps – When they do make this movie, I am putting in my two cents that Ciaran Sheehan be cast for the wedding scene. He lives in our town, and he is awesome. Plus, he would be playing himself. (Now you have to read the book or you will have no idea what I am talking about!)
So here are my small disclaimers. First, he is a Catholic, and this is truly just a part of his basic dialogue – he is astonishingly grateful despite the blows he has suffered, and he is not shy about praising God. I am also Catholic, and I think a little ultra-sensitive about perceptions (Spotlight, anyone?), but seriously, I did not find it offensive or pushy. Second, and this is not a criticism, but there is virtually no dirt dished in this book, if that’s what you were hoping to find. The very few times Lucas disparages anyone involve public figures well known for their nastiness.
My thoughts immediately after reading this were regarding getting this in the hands of every middle-school boy or girl who needs to read a biography for school. It is a terrific example of a story that is relevant, deals with big issues in a gentle way, and includes a ton of interesting history about sports as well as the world of a blind person. Aside from that, everyone else should read it. I am assigning it to you for summer reading — it’s perfect timing and will get you in the mood for the baseball season as it hits its stride. You don’t need to write a report, but a comment would be nice.
Ps – When they do make this movie, I am putting in my two cents that Ciaran Sheehan be cast for the wedding scene. He lives in our town, and he is awesome. Plus, he would be playing himself. (Now you have to read the book or you will have no idea what I am talking about!)
March 30, 2015
As a baseball fan and a Yankees fan, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book BUT you do not have to be either to read it and enjoy it. Ed Lucas faced many obstacles throughout his life due to being blind. Thanks to the love of his mother and his love of baseball, her letter writing campaign to NY ball clubs in order to keep her son happy in the off season turned into a lifetime of highs and lows with baseball being an incredible part of the ride. As a mother, my heart broke for Ed and his parents while they faced trying times after his initial accident. I would do anything for my son and I can relate to all that Ed's parents did for him. I was excited for every encounter Ed has with baseball's greats of the 50's up until present day. My admiration for many of those players grew after seeing how they took Ed in as part of their family. The compassion many of them showed is often unheard of in professional sports. It was a refreshing take on the sport as a whole. I was angry to see Ed had to go through a custody battle for his son's, and rooted for him in during the trial. The emotions I felt while reading this book ran the gamut. It was often hard to put down for those reasons alone. Ed's story is one of perseverance, determination, faith, love and baseball. You do not have to be a baseball fan to appreciate a story of a how a man overcame a disability and made an incredible life for himself and 2 sons. This is a story everyone should read about....fan of baseball or not!
April 7, 2015
This is an inspirational and true story of a beloved award-winning blind broadcaster and humanitarian. If ever asked what one thing made a difference in your life, what would you answer? Well, Ed Lucas’s answer was BASEBALL. It was what made him feel alive.
Ed was blinded as a kid while playing ball with friends, and his dream of becoming a pro player was crushed in a blink. But due to the amazing support/love of his parents and deep faith, he persevered through many obstacles and accomplished things never thought possible. Shortly after his accident, Ed’s mother has an idea to secretly write letters to baseball clubs to see if she can get a player or two to come visit her baseball fanatic son in order to lift his spirits. Who would have guessed letter writing could alter a life’s path so tremendously. Ed’s journey beyond his mom’s fateful exercise is incredible.
Ed believed it was God who blessed him with gifts and placed people and events in his life to help him succeed. He gained lifelong friends in the Who’s Who of Baseball and beyond – from early greats like Phil Rissuto and Joe DiMaggio to current players, to presidents. The dedication and generosity of his friends, mentors, role models, heroes and teachers on his journey is inspiring and jaw-dropping. The list goes on and on of those who made an impact on this humble man. In fact at the end of the book, there are 12 pages of acknowledgments. You don’t need to love baseball to love this book.
Ed was blinded as a kid while playing ball with friends, and his dream of becoming a pro player was crushed in a blink. But due to the amazing support/love of his parents and deep faith, he persevered through many obstacles and accomplished things never thought possible. Shortly after his accident, Ed’s mother has an idea to secretly write letters to baseball clubs to see if she can get a player or two to come visit her baseball fanatic son in order to lift his spirits. Who would have guessed letter writing could alter a life’s path so tremendously. Ed’s journey beyond his mom’s fateful exercise is incredible.
Ed believed it was God who blessed him with gifts and placed people and events in his life to help him succeed. He gained lifelong friends in the Who’s Who of Baseball and beyond – from early greats like Phil Rissuto and Joe DiMaggio to current players, to presidents. The dedication and generosity of his friends, mentors, role models, heroes and teachers on his journey is inspiring and jaw-dropping. The list goes on and on of those who made an impact on this humble man. In fact at the end of the book, there are 12 pages of acknowledgments. You don’t need to love baseball to love this book.
June 12, 2016
A pretty good book and inspirational story about a broadcaster, Ed Lucas, who became blind at a young age but still overcame obstacles to become a broadcaster. I liked the parts in the book about his childhood and how he became blind but dealt with it in high school and college. Very, very inspirational and have a tissue ready. Really would like to meet this fine person some day. I liked the stuff he wrote about how he covers a game or talks with players about watching a game, but honestly, I didn't think in the second half of the book there was enough of that. The second half of the book was mostly name-dropping of star players, owners and others that helped him out over his life. That's great and I'm happy for him, but not all blind people are lucky enough to have someone pay for their wedding at Yankee Stadium, etc. I was more interested in things like how he can tell a play is hit to short, how he knows the double play was turned, how he knows what kind of pitch was thrown, etc. Don't get me wrong, I still like the main person in this book and he deserves EVERYTHING he gets, but I guess I thought I would learn more about how he does stuff rather than who he's met. Still, please read, a good story.
June 3, 2015
“Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story is the incredible true tale of a beloved Emmy-winning blind broadcaster who refused to let his disability prevent him from overcoming many challenging obstacles and achieving his dreams.”
Ed Lucas was born with eye problems which were exacerbated when he was hit between the eyes with a baseball (his childhood love). This, though, did not deter him from what he wanted to do – to have a career in sports writing.
Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story details the highs and lows of his life in achieving this goal. I looked up one of his columns that he had recently written on the retirement of David Letterman – and yes – he is a great writer.
I really enjoyed this book with all his anecdotes about the great baseball players of the 50s, 60s, 70s – up to the present time. I would like to know the athlete who put him down in an interview, but he did not divulge the secret.
Read it for all the great baseball history and trivia.
Ed Lucas was born with eye problems which were exacerbated when he was hit between the eyes with a baseball (his childhood love). This, though, did not deter him from what he wanted to do – to have a career in sports writing.
Seeing Home: The Ed Lucas Story details the highs and lows of his life in achieving this goal. I looked up one of his columns that he had recently written on the retirement of David Letterman – and yes – he is a great writer.
I really enjoyed this book with all his anecdotes about the great baseball players of the 50s, 60s, 70s – up to the present time. I would like to know the athlete who put him down in an interview, but he did not divulge the secret.
Read it for all the great baseball history and trivia.
May 11, 2015
I knew this book sounded like a great story about a blind broadcaster, but it was better than I even expected. If your dad is a baseball fan - of ANY team, but especially the Yankees - this would be a perfect Father's Day gift for the guy who has everything. Not only is it a very moving story about overcoming obstacles, but there are SO many amazing stories about some of the greatest players of all time! From old-timers Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Willie Mays and my favorite Yogi Berra to more recent Goose Gossage, Thurman Munson, Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter, the glimpses behind the superstardom kept me smiling and reading parts aloud to my husband throughout my reading. Ed Lucas has had an incredibly blessed life, despite or due to his blindness, and this book is jam packed with stories that will make you want to stand up and cheer! Start spreadin' the news...this book is a home run!
May 29, 2015
Seeing Home--The Ed Lucas Story (A Blind Broadcaster's Story of Overcoming Life's Greatest Obstacles) by Ed and Christopher Lucas is non-fiction. Ed Lucas is the man--what a story he tells! At a young age, he loved baseball! Then a tragedy happened: he got hit in the face with a baseball and lost his sight. He decided if he could not play that he would become a broadcaster. How can a blind man broadcast a game? You will have to read the book to find out the answer. He had his dream and with help of a loving family, it came through. He even got married at home plate in Yankee stadium! Ed is a real hero to people with disabilities.
(Gerard's review)
(Gerard's review)
June 2, 2015
I'm not usually a biography reader and I'm not a huge baseball fan however this was a wonderful story. Ed Lucas is an amazing and inspiring man. He was blinded as a child in a baseball accident. With the loving support of his family and the people he met along the way-- succeeded in his desire to become a baseball broadcaster, among many other feats. Great book to read if you like baseball history, biographies or people overcoming disabilities (or as he calls it-- an inconvenience).
May 18, 2015
Very well narrated. Focused mostly on Ed's personal life. Have not known of Ed before reading this book I would have liked a little more of the hows behind his work. At times the book seemed as if it moved on from one point in his life to another without any real connection and took me a minute to realize he had moved on to another topic.
I did enjoy this, cruised through it in about a day, thanks insomnia.
I did enjoy this, cruised through it in about a day, thanks insomnia.
August 19, 2016
Great inspiring story of overcoming adversity. Best summed up by the title of Chapter 4: "baseball took my sight and gave me my life."
The introduction is chilling and moving. But probably the best writing in the whole book.
p. 209 has a great paragraph about all the times that he heard "never" and then proved it wrong.
The introduction is chilling and moving. But probably the best writing in the whole book.
p. 209 has a great paragraph about all the times that he heard "never" and then proved it wrong.
June 23, 2015
I think Ed Lucas could make even me like sports stories. An amazing man, with an amazing family, and a great outlook on life - all put together to make him who he is and allowed him to accomplish all that he has accomplished, despite being blind. Thank you to this father and son team for writing such an inspirational book to encourage those of us raising children who are visually impaired.
February 1, 2021
Totally enjoyed this book! Easy quick read and to hear about Ed's experience with all of the players was awesome. I agree with the description, whether you are a baseball fan or not this is a great read. Inspiring and definitely made me feel like I need to do more.
December 9, 2015
Inspirational and emotional (with some laugh out loud moments). Excellent story about the roles that perspective and attitude play in one's life. Downfall: could have benefited from additional editing towards the end (similar to "I am Malala").
September 28, 2015
A great human interest story, one that will appeal to both sports fans and those who don't know an RBI from an ERA.
March 2, 2017
What an inspirational and interesting life story! I don't typically like memoirs, but this one was so well done that I couldn't put it down.
July 7, 2015
Inspiring. Awesome. Awe - inspiring
August 9, 2015
A good book about an interesting life and overcoming obstacles.
September 15, 2015
Excellent book about perseverance, faith, and charity. Oh, a lot about baseball and celebrities as well. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews