Rai Henniger has been connecting fans and the Sky Sox for 17 years, specializing in birthdays, marriage proposals and promotional nights. In 2007, Henniger was badly injured while preparing fireworks that was to be used during a game. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick recently visited with Henger, his family and fans of the team to see how his life has changed.

From the article: It's been precisely a year since a 2½-inch spherical titanium shell shattered Henniger's face, turning Security Service Field into a makeshift battlefield scene, and a glance in the mirror is all it takes to remind him that his life will never be the same. For 17 years, he's been the main community link for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox -- the senior vice president of marketing, on-field master of ceremonies and goodwill ambassador for the franchise.

Photo by Lucas Gilman for ESPN.com