Mic Paul Receives the 2025 Eric Pintard Most Inspirational Player Award
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WICHITA, KS — The National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series recently honored an exceptional athlete whose journey embodies the spirit of perseverance and inspiration. During the 2025 tournament, the Eric Pintard Most Inspirational Player Award was presented to outfielder Mic Paul.
The annual award is a tribute to Eric Pintard, the son of Santa Barbara Foresters manager and NBC Hall of Famer Bill Pintard. Eric, a pitcher for the Foresters in the mid-1990s, passed away in 2004 after a courageous nine-year battle with brain cancer. The award celebrates an individual who demonstrates exceptional strength and character in the face of adversity, much like Eric himself.
Mic Paul also has a remarkable story. A Salt Lake City native, he was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which is an extremely rare condition affecting only eight people per million annually. The syndrome can lead to serious complications, including blood clots and pulmonary embolisms in the upper body. In April 2024, Mic was hospitalized for eight days, with four of those days spent in the ICU due to blood clots in his shoulder and a pulmonary embolism. His treatment required a major surgery to remove his first rib and the insertion of a stent.
Despite this life-threatening health challenge, Mic made a triumphant return to the field. He appeared in 25 games for the 2025 championship LSU Tigers team, all while maintaining Honor Roll status and being one of only five student-athletes in the Honors College. During this year’s NBC World Series, Mic played in four games for the Santa Barbara Foresters, showcasing his talent and determination. Looking ahead, he is set to continue his baseball career with the Washington Huskies in 2026.
The award was presented on the field by the man who knows its meaning best: Foresters manager Bill Pintard. Mic Paul’s extraordinary story of overcoming a rare and dangerous medical condition to continue pursuing his passion for baseball makes him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.