Brewers' Assistant Pitching Coach Overcomes Blindness in One Eye to Reach the Majors

Juan Sandoval's journey of perseverance and resilience leads him to the big leagues 20 years after losing sight in his right eye.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:33pm

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Juan Sandoval, a 45-year-old assistant pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, is heading into his first season in the Majors after a remarkable journey. In 2006, Sandoval was a pitching prospect for the Seattle Mariners when he was shot in the right eye, leaving him blind in that eye. Inspired by the story of Jim Abbott, who pitched in the Majors with one hand, Sandoval persevered and went on to pitch professionally for 17 seasons, including stints in the Mariners, Brewers, Phillies, and Rays organizations, as well as in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. Though he never made it to the big leagues as a player, the Brewers hired him as a pitching coach in 2022, and he has now been promoted to the Major League staff, positioning him to work alongside the team's pitching coaches.

Why it matters

Sandoval's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His journey demonstrates that with determination and a willingness to adapt, individuals can achieve their dreams, even in the face of significant challenges. Sandoval's story also highlights the importance of providing opportunities for those with disabilities, as his hiring by the Brewers shows the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The details

In February 2006, Sandoval was a right-handed pitching prospect for the Mariners, making a steady rise through the minor leagues. However, his path to the Majors was derailed when he was shot in the right eye while dining with his then-fiancee in the Dominican Republic. The incident left him permanently blind in that eye, but Sandoval was determined to continue his baseball career. He spent the next several years learning to pitch with one eye, eventually making it back to the mound in 2007 and pitching for 10 seasons in affiliated ball for the Mariners, Brewers, Phillies, and Rays organizations, as well as in various international leagues.

  • In February 2006, Sandoval was shot in the right eye while dining in the Dominican Republic.
  • In June 2006, Sandoval was informed by doctors that he would never see out of his right eye again.
  • In 2007, Sandoval made it back to the mound and pitched 40 games that year, reaching Triple-A Tacoma.
  • In 2008, the Brewers plucked Sandoval in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, and he continued his professional career.
  • In 2022, the Brewers hired Sandoval as a pitching coach in the Dominican Summer League, and he has since been promoted to the Major League staff.

The players

Juan Sandoval

A 45-year-old assistant pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers who lost sight in his right eye in 2006 but persevered to pitch professionally for 17 seasons and now coaches in the Majors.

Jim Abbott

A former Major League Baseball pitcher who was born without a right hand and pitched 10 seasons in the Majors, including an 18-11 season with a 2.89 ERA for the Angels in 1991 and a no-hitter for the Yankees in 1993.

Patrick Guerrero

The Mariners scout who signed Sandoval and provided him with support as he learned to pitch with one eye.

Mike Guerrero

The Brewers' Double-A manager and the brother of Patrick Guerrero, the scout who signed Sandoval.

Carlos Villanueva

A senior special assistant with the Brewers who pitched against Sandoval in the early 2000s and has been impressed by Sandoval's coaching abilities.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm putting myself in his shoes, he has the ability to understand not to underestimate what people have inside. The ability to use your brain to battle. You cannot put limitations on people. It's an incredible story.”

— Mike Guerrero, Brewers Double-A Manager

“He started from zero as far as coaching experience, but he was incredibly curious. Incredibly curious. I probably talked to him 10 times a day when we first hired him, and he was just asking questions, asking questions. I remember being the same way.”

— Carlos Villanueva, Brewers Senior Special Assistant

“This game teaches you how to find the best version of you. To not give up. To understand that you need to keep going. To find different ways to be successful. Discipline. Education. One of the coolest things is that you meet a bunch of great people from different areas, different perspectives, that allow you to grow your mind. That's growth.”

— Juan Sandoval (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Brewers are excited to see how Sandoval's unique perspective and coaching abilities will impact their pitching staff in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Juan Sandoval's journey from a promising pitching prospect to a Major League coach despite losing sight in one eye is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. His hiring by the Brewers demonstrates the organization's commitment to providing opportunities for those with disabilities and showcases the valuable contributions individuals like Sandoval can make when given a chance to succeed.