On a windswept patch of ice in Antarctica, far from any stadium lights, San Diego Padres All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove wound up and delivered an 86 mph fastball to teammate Sean Manaea — setting the world record for the fastest pitch ever thrown on the continent. 

But this was more than a personal milestone. Musgrove had traveled to the southernmost continent with a group of athletes supported by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), determined to show that barriers are meant to be broken — even at the end of the Earth. 

The journey was the result of an invitation from Musgrove’s close friend, polar expedition guide Neill Drake, who organizes annual trips to Antarctica. As the two planned, they saw an opportunity: use the trip to raise awareness and funds to help more people with physical disabilities access the world of sport. Their fundraising made it possible for several CAF athletes to join the adventure. 

“Joe set the record and supported incredible athletes in reaching new epic adventures, regardless of limitations,” said Drake. 

The Athletes 

Among those on the voyage was Landis Sims, a varsity baseball player born without hands and feet. His story, captured in the documentary Landis: Just Watch Me, intersects with Musgrove’s own — the two have built a lasting friendship rooted in mutual respect. 

“Joe has just always shown up for me,” said Landis. 

Also on board were Roderick Sewell, the first double above-knee amputee to finish the IRONMAN World Championship, and Justin Phongsavanh, a Paralympic bronze medalist and world-record javelin thrower. For each athlete, the trip was a chance to test themselves in one of the most challenging environments on Earth — and to do so with the right equipment, support, and mindset. 

The Long Road to the White Continent 

Getting to Antarctica is never straightforward. The group first traveled to Ushuaia, Argentina — the southernmost city in the world — where they boarded the expedition ship. Ahead of them was the notorious Drake Passage, a 600-mile crossing where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans collide. 

For some, the two-day voyage meant battling seasickness while bonding over shared anticipation. For others, it was a time to prepare physically and mentally. The athletes gathered on deck for light mobility sessions, traded training stories, and learned about the polar environment from the ship’s guides. 

Once they reached the continent, the expedition moved into a daily rhythm: early-morning briefings, gear checks, and layered clothing to prepare for freezing temperatures and unpredictable winds. Small Zodiac boats ferried them to landings where they encountered penguin colonies, massive icebergs, and surreal blue glacial formations. 

Equipment That Opened Doors 

Specialized gear ensured that every athlete could fully participate. Phongsavanh used a GRIT Freedom Chair — part wheelchair, part mountain bike — to traverse snowfields and rocky beaches. Sims relied on custom Össur running prostheses and a kayak paddle attachment designed by his stepfather. Sewell tackled shoreline landings, steep hills, and even joined the Polar Plunge into 30-degree waters. 

“We want to show people that anything is possible,” said Sewell. “This trip was a test of what we’re capable of and willing to do.” 

These adaptations didn’t just make the trip possible — they allowed the athletes to engage with Antarctica on the same terms as their fellow travelers, proving the value of access-driven solutions in sport. 

The Record-Setting Pitch 

Throwing a baseball in Antarctica required months of environmental permitting. Every detail — from Musgrove’s release angle to the number of pitches — was reviewed by governing bodies to ensure no harm to the fragile ecosystem. 

On December 4, Musgrove’s birthday, he stepped onto a makeshift mound carved into the snow. After a few warm-up throws in 29-degree air, the radar gun flashed 86 mph — twice. Sims then stepped up, throwing a pitch that matched his jersey number: 44 mph. The group erupted in cheers, celebrating not just the records but the spirit behind them. 

The record-setting ball is now bound for the Baseball Hall of Fame, and a shipboard auction of a commemorative ball and Musgrove’s glove raised $9,000 to support CAF athletes. 

More Than a Milestone 

Beyond the statistics and headlines, the trip was a statement: that with the right support, no place is off-limits. For the athletes, it wasn’t just about setting foot on the continent — it was about kayaking among icebergs, hiking ridgelines, and sharing experiences that will shape their outlook long after the ice has melted from memory. 

“This trip exceeded every expectation I had,” Musgrove reflected. “I’m just so grateful that I was given the opportunity to make a little bit of an impact.” 

Push Your Limits, Expand What’s Possible 

Opportunities like this happen because of supporters who believe in access for all. Your contribution helps athletes with physical disabilities get the equipment, training, and community they need to thrive — whether their goal is crossing a finish line or setting foot on the most remote continent.