“Special thanks to my two greatest fans , Mom and Dad (Doris and Bob Ellerby).” Mike Ellerby started his softball career at 17 playing with his uncle, Joe Legner, and his Babe Ruth baseball coach, Fred Ballatine. After playing first base and making the league’s all-star team, Mike headed west to Carol Stream to play with the Jax. With his solid arm strength, Jax moved him from first base to shortstop, a position he played throughout his career. After playing with a variety of local teams (Redneck Mothers and Bruins), Mike joined Meadows and tasted the ASA Metro tournament finals for the first time. Although Meadows lost in the final game, Mike whetted his appetite for national competition. After joining Magic, Mike batted second and teamed up with Pat Heraty to form a potent r.b.i. duo. For two decades Magic made it to national tournaments. After finishing play with Meadows lead by Dick Cooper at Mt. Prospect, Ellerby continued his Mt. Prospect Classic League play when he joined the Taggers and Frank Holan. The Taggers were perennial top ten finishers at national tournaments, winning the USSSA Nationals in 1991 and taking second in 1992. Mike then joined MGD (formerly the Taggers) in the 90’s and ended his Classic League play. After a brief stint with Performance Metals, Ellerby returned to national play with Florida Tropics where he earned First Team All-American honors in 1999, adding to his Second Team honors earned in 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Mike will always be known as a player who gave 100% on the field during every game. Over his 25-year career, he has made many friendships that are still intact today. He is honored to have played with and against some of the great players and managers of all time. Mike lives in Bolingbrook with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Lauren and Kevin. He works in the IT department of Sears Roebuck and Company.
