I started playing 16-inch softball in June of 1991, just two weeks after graduating high school. Baseball had been a big part of my life, and once that chapter closed, I found myself searching for something to fill the competitive void. That’s when my uncle invited me to join a team he had put together where I started my career playing with my dad and my uncles. He threw me out in center field—and just like that, I fell in love with the game. What started as a way to stay active quickly became a lifelong passion. 16-inch softball grabbed me and never let go. I began playing with neighborhood teams all across the northwest side of Chicago, soaking up knowledge and learning the nuances of the game from some of the best players to ever do it. I was fortunate to be surrounded by teammates and mentors who taught me what it meant to play smart, play hard, and play for each other. My first major break came when Wally Pec gave me a shot with his Red Dog team. That opportunity opened doors, and soon I found myself playing with the Northstars, continuing to grow both as a player and a teammate. In 1999, I played with the Lemonheads in the ASA ‘A’ Nationals. That tournament was a turning point—I was honored to be named MVP as we brought home the title. In 2000, I joined the Trojans, winning another ‘A’ National and earning First Team honors. From there, I was part of the Bucketheads/Windy City/Signature teams, where I was proud to win my first Major National in 2010, and then again in Forest Park in 2013. Currently, I play with Circus, and even after nearly three decades, the fire to compete still burns just as strong. I’m very proud of taking the Forest Park Nationals in 2025 with Circus. Over the course of my 29-year career, I’ve been blessed to win multiple Major and National tournaments and to receive several All-American awards. But for me, the wins and accolades have always been secondary to the relationships, the laughs, and the memories made on and off the field. I’d like to be remembered as someone who played the game the right way—with heart, hustle, and respect. I’ve always tried to lead by example and be a good teammate, someone others could count on whether we were up by ten or down to our last out. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s been a part of this journey—my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the opponents who pushed me to be better. Softball has given me so much, and I’m proud to have contributed to a game and a community that means the world to me.
