After almost a decade of creating custom baseball bats for guests at Silver Dollar City, Jerry Bryan is rounding third and heading home after this season. He’s become a fan-favorite at Casey’s Dugout for his steady hand, warm smile and playful personality. It’s hard for the “old-timey baseball man” to think about December when he bids farewell to the park he’s poured his heart into.
“I don’t want to go there in my mind just yet,” he smiles. “I’m an emotional person so I know there will be lots of tears on that final day, thinking back on all of the incredible co-workers and guests who’ve become friends.”
In some magical way, connecting with guests over baseball bats has softened the hardships of Jerry’s journey through the game of life. He was stationed in the Army at Ft. Carson 43 years ago when he had his first seizure. Suddenly, the man who had made more than 500 jumps with the airborne was facing an uphill climb with epilepsy—a diagnosis that derailed his childhood dream.
“Being a cop was all I ever wanted to be,” Jerry says, reflecting on the setback. “Police officers have to drive and carry guns and people with epilepsy shouldn’t do those things.”
Yet, Jerry didn’t let life’s curveballs keep him down. Instead, he turned his love for craftsmanship into something that would bring smiles to others, all while overcoming the challenges of his condition. His dedication to his craft at Silver Dollar City has not only helped guests
connect with the spirit of old-time baseball but also allowed him to turn his personal struggles into advocacy.
“There’s so much unknown about it so it’s been four decades of learning for me too,” he says. “It’s why I wear purple all the time—to bring awareness.”
And, that he does. When he’s not wearing his old-time baseball uniform for work, he’s usually decked out in purple. From fun sneakers, flannel shirts and even purple plaid hats, Jerry is always ready to share his story and promote the importance of seizure awareness.
While he is thrilled to be “living in the past” at Casey’s Dugout, Jerry is grateful for current medical advances, including an implant in his chest that can prevent a seizure.
“It’s right here under my skin and has three wires that shock my brain every two minutes,” he says as he points to a scar on his skin. “If I get a feeling that a seizure is coming on, I take this magnet from my pocket and swipe it across that implant to prevent it.”
It’s incredible science that’s been an incredible blessing to Jerry these past few years. He’s gone from having 20 or more seizures a year to only a few last year. Just last week, he marked seven months seizure-free—the longest he’s ever gone between episodes.
“I’m feeling good and ready for this final season at The City,” he smiles. “This place is like family and the guests brighten my world”
Jerry’s retirement will allow him to spend more time with wife, three kids and 12 grandchildren and enjoy a slower pace of life. Though he’s leaving the bat shop behind, his legacy will linger every time a guest picks up a custom bat crafted by the hands of a true artisan.
“That right there gives my heart tremendous joy. I hope someone—somewhere—will remember me for caring. I’ve always tried to turn life’s lemons into lemonade, and Silver Dollar City makes the best!”
As Public Relations Manager for the Silver Dollar City Company, she is eager to tap into her journalism background to hunt down “heart tugs” to write about—those stories that celebrate…
