Born in Arcola, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago with his family at a very young age. Started playing softball at 12 in the local parks and playgrounds in his neighborhood. Coty attended Wendell Phillips where he starred in football and track until 1976. His softball career took off and over forty years he was on several different championship teams on the south and west side of Chicago, including the Bandits, Flamingos, Steel Gold, Iron Men, Bee Hornets, and Young Guns. With his speed and rifle arm he played outfield and shortstop and was a great leadoff batter with pop in his bat. He was the shortstop for Steel Gold when they won the National Championship in South Dakota. His outstanding defense and offense earned him recognition and awards in almost every league or major tournament he played. Over his long career, Coty’s batting average was at least .600 due to his speed. He was a leader in the community as a decorated Chicago Fireman, he retired after 32 years as a Lieutenant.
