OMC: A generation of children with handicaps has used you as a role model. When you were learning the game, was there anyone you followed or did you kind of figure things out on your own?

JA: I think that's one of the amazing things about my playing -- there wasn't a paradigm for it. There were just so many people who took the time. My growing up was learning to do things a little bit differently. There were so many people that helped me -- coaches, my parents and teachers. My second-grade teacher taught me how to tie my shoes. I imagine him with a clenched fist trying to figure out those laces. It was that kind of generosity that I had surrounding me. I'm so thankful for that the people that took the time to take time out of their schedules and say, "All right, let's figure this out. I see potential in this guy."

I really was the beneficiary of that spirit.

OMC: Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre visited with a lot of kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Green Bay and he has talked about how it was rewarding but also emotionally draining. You visited a lot of kids at home and on the road during your time with the Brewers. Did you ever feel that way?

JA: I certainly can sympathize with Brett Favre. It might be the first time and only time that Brett Favre and I are put in the same category. I understand that sentiment. Everywhere I went it did seem there were a lot of families that came and kids facing every type of challenge imaginable. A lot of them were missing hands.

Playing baseball, for me, was my way of gaining acceptance and feeling like I wasn't different. Being in the clubhouse with the guys playing cards and sitting down and talking and then to get that tap on the shoulder, "Hey, there is somebody by the dugout" or "There is somebody outside by the clubhouse door." It would take you away from that feeling (of not being different). It was like, "OK, that's who I am."

I might get up off the couch slowly, but once I got out there and saw those kids and more often than not played a little catch with them and watched them switch the glove on and off their hands, it just made it all worthwhile.

Those meetings, and I still have a lot of talks with kids and exchange e-mails with them, I realize that those meetings probably have more importance than any game I ever pitched.

OMC: It sounds like the speeches are a way to continue that.

JA: I kind of went into it kicking and screaming ... but it has been a great way to continue on with some of the things that I was doing when I played.

It sounds like it's going to be an incredible event with the same type of spirit that I had people helping other people to find opportunities. I'm really looking forward to coming to Milwaukee and being part of it.