Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Taylor Voss
Nominated as: Athlete, Contributor

Before High School:
● Catcher for three years playing in the Old Timers Baseball League (1953-56).
● Basketball guard on the St. Leander's grade school team for one season (1956-57).
● Played in Pueblo Recreation Programs as a Softball catcher for 14 years (1953-67).

High School:
Attended Pueblo Catholic High School (1957-1961)...Played four years (1957-61) on the Shamrocks football team (guard/tackle) and three years (1957-59) as a guard on the basketball team.

Achievements:
High School (Baseball):
● Varsity starter, was the only freshman on the Varsity starting squad (1958).
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City (1959).
● Pueblo City Batting Champion (1960).
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City (1960).
● Carried a .469 Batting Average (1960).
● City Leader in Most Home Runs, Most Hits, and Most Runs Scored (1960).
● City Co-Leader in Most Stolen Bases (1960).
● Parochial State Championship vs. Denver Mt. Carmel (1960).
● Pueblo Catholic High School MVP (1961).
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City (1961).
● At the plate, Whalen carried a .400 Batting Average (1961).
● Played two years of Semi-Pro baseball for the Pueblo Rockwool Indians (1960-62).
● Played catcher for five seasons for American Legion (1957-62)
● American Legion State Championship vs. Aurora.
● Whalen was a power hitter and was adept at stealing bases.

High School (Football):
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City, First-Team All-State, State Championship vs. Denver Mullen (1959).
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City, First-Team All-State, Parochial State Championship vs. Regis (1960).
● First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-City, First-Team All-State (1961).
● Denver Post Football Roll of Honor (1961).
● Co-Captain for Pueblo Catholic High School(1961).
● Played for the South squad in the All-State game, defeating the North squad (1961).
● Had the speed of a running back (10.1 seconds in the 100-yard dash), but the temperament of a lineman and linebacker.

High School (Basketball):
● Played in the State Championship game (1957).

Achievements:
Softball (1953-67):
● In Whalen's first state championship softball final, played in a thirteen-year-old division as a 9-year-old boy.
● Played in four State Softball Championship Finals in total.
● In one particular state championship game, Frank's team was trailing 6-2 going into the last inning. With the bases loaded, Frank hit a grand slam home run to tie the game. In extra innings, he hit a triple to score three more runs, and his team won the championship game 9-6.
● Frank had many game-winning contributions.

College:
Enrolled at the University of Colorado...Earned a baseball scholarship and played one season as the Buffaloes catcher (1961-62).

Contributor:
Youth Programs:
● Five-year donor for Pueblo Baseball Mill (2019-24).
● Donor volunteer for the Frank Whalen Home Run Derby (2019).
● Donor and content contributor for the Baseball Mill Online Training Platform - an online website for parents and coaches to access hitting drills and \training programs (2024).

Personal Affiliations/Achievements:
● Whalen is an avid golfer and has served as President of the Colorado City Men's Golf Association.
● Continues to take an interest in Pueblo County sports.
● Active member of the Rye and Pueblo communities, and continues to be a passionate supporter of the activities of local sporting teams.
● Been a supporter and generous donor to many local nonprofits in the Pueblo community, including Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care, Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado, and he is also a longtime donor to the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Related Activities:
● Whalen is a passionate and active donor for the Pueblo Baseball Mill youth baseball and softball facility. This facility has served over 400 youth athletes per week over the last five years.
● Frank's numerous contributions have gone towards purchasing much-needed equipment for the  Pueblo Baseball Mill facility, as well as towards funding scholarships for athletes who are unable to pay for lessons.
● The inspiration, donor, and namesake of the 2019 Frank Whalen Home Run Derby was held at the Runyon Field Sports Complex. Over 100 athletes participated in the home run derby, with over 500 people in attendance, and the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, attended the event, where he threw out the first pitch.

Personal:
Frank is a life-long (80 years) resident of Pueblo and is married to Mary Beth... They have three grown children, Erin, Patricia, and Frank Jr.

Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Mary Schmaltz
Nominated as: Athlete, Coach

High School:
Attended Pueblo Central High School (1949-53)...Competed in football (fullback and Linebacker) and track (high/low hurdles) for the Wildcats.

Achievements:
High School (Football):
● All-State honorable mention (1953).
● Dick played in the first three ever Bell games for Pueblo Central High School.

High School (Track):
● Won the 1953 South-Central League Championship in 120-yd. hurdles and 180-yd. low hurdles, setting the South-Central League and school record in the low hurdles.

College:
Attended Pueblo Junior College: Lettered in football and track (1954-55) and New Mexico State University (1955).

Achievements:
Pueblo Junior College (Football):
● Named "Outstanding Football Player" during his sophomore year (1955).
● All-American Honorable Mention by Williamson Featured Syndicate of Texas (1955).

Pueblo Junior College (Track):
● Set school record in high hurdles and received "Outstanding Track Award “. during sophomore year (1955).

New Mexico State University (Football):
● Named "Outstanding Inspirational Player Award" during his junior year (1955).
● Lettered as a member of the first golf team at NMSU (1957).

Coaching Achievements:
Golf:
● Head Golf Coach at Pueblo East for 15 years (1973-1988).
● Coached future Head Professional at Elmwood Golf Course (Gary Woodside), who qualified for the Colorado State High School Golf Championships under his tutelage.
● His Eagles squads won several championships in league play.
● Coached several players and teams that qualified for the Colorado State High School Golf Championships.

Other Achievements:
Golf/Bowling:
● Finished 3rd in the City Golf Championships (1966) and won the consolation championship in La Junta, CO in 1967.
● Led all qualifiers for the 1969 Pueblo City Golf Championship with a 3-under par 67.
● Won the City-County-wide teacher’s tournament with an even par 70 in 1976.
● Placed 4th in Pueblo City Golf Championship (1976) with a three-round total of 215 (five over par).
● Two-time winner of the Pueblo City Senior Golf Championship (1993, 1994)
● Won the Southern Colorado Senior Golf Championship three consecutive years (1995, 1996, 1997).
● Won the 1995 City Bowling Singles Title with a score of 697.

Personal:
Has lived in Pueblo for 90 years. Married 41 years to his wife, Mary. Earned an MA degree in 1962 from Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado).

Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Jim Brooks
Nominated as: Athlete

High School:
Attended Pueblo South High School (1976-80).

Achievements:
High School (Golf):
● Key factor in the Colts golf team qualifying for the Colorado State Championships all four years of high school.
● Led South to a 9th-place finish at state golf championships during freshman year (1976).
● Three-time regional golf champion (1977-79).
● Colts placed third at state his sophomore year (1977), and Ivan finished 21st individually.
● Placed runner-up at state (individually) his junior year (1978) while helping South to the Colorado State Golf Championship, defeating Smoky Hill High School by 20 strokes.
● Led team to a ninth-place finish at the state golf championships on a very difficult course.

College:
Attended the University of Colorado (1980-84).

Achievements:
Golf:
● Trinidad Jaycee Junior Golf Tournament Champion (1975).
● Trinidad Junior Golf Tournament Champion (1977).
● Member of the Colorado High School State Champion South Colts, which included Jim Brooks, Kevin Chapman, Paul Boucher (1978).
● 2nd place individual Colorado High School State Championship (1978).
● Recorded first hole-in-one (1978).
● Colorado Golf Association Junior Match Play Champion (1979).
● Quarterfinalist, United Amateur Golf Association Junior Match Play held at Hilton Head Island (1979).
● Represented Colorado in Junior America's Cup Matches played in Vancouver, British Columbia (1979).
● Voted Colorado Junior "Player-of-the-Year" (1979).
● Pueblo Two-Man Champion with Jim Brooks (1982).
● Five-time Champion of the Colorado Springs Valley Hi Springer (1982, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1999).
● Champion Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Amateur (1982, 1988).
● Five-time member of the Colorado Cup Team (1982, 1990, 1991, 1993, 2003).
● Represented Colorado in Pacific Coast Amateur (1982).
● Three-time Pueblo City Champion: Defeated Jim Brooks 2-hole playoff in 1985 (1987, 1997: Ivan shot 62 in the final round).
● Won Pueblo City Tournament (1994). Jim Brooks was awarded the City Championship due to the residency rule, which has since been rescinded. Jim "awarded" Steve the trophy three years ago.
● Champion Pueblo Invitational (1994).
● Southern Colorado Amateur Champion: Played on Walking Stick GC (1998).
● Two-time Colorado Springs City Champion (1999, 2014).
● Two-time Champion Pikes Peak Amateur (2000, 2002).
● Champion Pikes Peak Amateur Senior Division (2012).
● Two-time Champion Valley Hi Springer Senior Division (2012, 2018).
● Pueblo City Champion Senior Division (2013).
● Colorado Golf Association (CGA) Senior Amateur Champion (2017).
● Two-time Member Colorado Cup Team Senior Division (2017, 2019).
● CGA Senior Match Play Runner Up (2019).
● CGA Senior Amateur Runner Up (2019).
● CGA Senior Match Play Champion - Hyland Meadows (2020).
● CGA Senior Amateur Champion - Perry Park (2020).
● Senior CGA "Player-of-the-Year" (2020).
● Finished T-5th at CGA Senior Four Ball (2020).
● Finished T-22nd at CGA Senior State Amateur (2020).
● Member of Senior Colorado Cup Team (2020).
● Joined CGA Tournament Committee Board.
● Runner-up at CGA Senior Match Play - Black Bear (2021).
● Runner-up CGA Senior Amateur - Cornerstone  (2021).
● Finished T-2nd at CGA Senior Four Ball  (2021).
● Finished T-24th at CGA Amateur (2021).
● Finished T-5th at Golf Week Tournament of Champions – Champions Gate, Florida (2024).
● Placed runner-up at 2-man Tucson "The Gallery Invitational" (2024)
● Champion CGA Senior Match Play, Defeated Jon Lindstrom, #8 rank WAGR, played at Raindance GC (2024).
● Finished T-30th at R & A Senior British Amateur (Senior Amateur) played in Saunton, England (2024).
● WAGR 135th (2024).
● Selection Committee for Junior Americas Cup and Pacific Coast (2024).
● Selection Committee for USGA National Development Team, Colorado Division (2024).
● Board member for Colorado Golf Hall of Fame (2024).
● Senior Colorado Open at Green Valley Ranch. Overall finish T-31st; 4th low amateur out of 27 that played; Only six made cut; Score: 75, 72, 72 = +3 for final score (2024)
● Selected for the Colorado Cup team to represent Seniors (2024).
● Champion CGA Senior Amateur, played at Highland Meadows with a score of, 66,70,66= -11 (2024).
● Became a ranked player again in WAGR (2024).
● Only 1 of 5 players to have two or more double wins in the Senior match and Senior stroke play in the same year (2024).
● Voted Senior "Player-of-the-Year" (2024).

Personal:
Steve lived in Pueblo for 24 years before moving to Colorado Springs and is married to his wife, Elaine. Ivan had Spine surgery on May 8, 2025, for artificial disk replacement at the L5-S1 level.

Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Marvin Gersick
Nominated as: Athlete, Coach

High School:
Attended Pueblo West High School (2000-04)... Four-year letterman in both football (running back) and Track (sprints/shot put) for the Cyclones.

Achievements:
High School (Football):
● Total career yards rushing: 4003 (2000-04).
● Total career touchdowns: 44 (2000-04).
● Led the league in rushing (2004).
● Most yards game: 256 yards (2004).
● Earned All-league, All-State honors (2004).
● Longest rush scrimmage: 98 yards (2002).
● Average rushing yards/game: 150 yards (2004).

High School (Track):
● Holds the school record in the shot put: 57'8" (2004).
● Won State Championship in shot put: 55'6" (2004).
● Best 100m sprint time: 10:88 (2004).
● Top 200m sprint time: 22:3 (2004).
● Became the first state champion at Pueblo West HS.

College:
Attended Adams State University (2005-09)...Played one year of football for the Grizzlies at running back (2005-06) and four years of track (2005-09)...Graduated with Magnum Cum Laude honors: Earned a BS degree in Exercise Science and an MA degree in Exercise Physiology (2009).

Achievements:
College:
● Two-time First Team ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-American (2008-09).
● Won the NCAA National title in shot put (2009).
● Nine-time All American 1st team honor in track & field.
● Accumulated 16 All-RMAC honors during his track career.
● Earned multiple RMAC and Regional "Athlete-of-the-Year" accolades.
● Male recipient of Adams State University Honor Student Athlete Award (2009).

Coaching Achievements:
Assistant Track & Field Coach (2012-present)
● Helped lead the Grizzlies to six National Titles while coaching at Adams State University (ASU).
● Won Men's Outdoor Track and Field National Championship (2012).
● Won Men's Indoor Track and Field National Championship (2015).
● Four-time Indoors Women's Track and Field National Champions (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023).
● Helped lead ASU to 18 RMAC Titles while coaching at ASU.
● Men's Indoor Track and Field (2012-14, 2017).
● Men's Outdoor Track and Field (2012-14, 2016).
● Women's Indoor Track and Field (2012-15, 2017, 2019).
● Women's Outdoor Track and Field (2012-14, 2017).

Contributions/Honors:
● Selected by his peers as the NCAA Division II Outdoor Men's Assistant "Coach-of-the-Year" (2014).
● Coached Wesley Lavong to a national title in the shot put in 2014 (ranks among the Top 10 throws in Division II History).
● Coached three athletes to Top 10 All-Time Division II rankings (2014).
● Coached triple jumper Papay Glaywulu to a national title and the indoor national record of 16.61 m (54’ 6") in 2023.
● Inducted into Adams State University Hall of Fame (2024).

Professional Affiliations:
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

Personal:
Matt lived in Pueblo for 18 years before moving to Alamosa, CO, where he resides with his wife Katelyn.

Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Joe E. Cervi 
Nominated as: Athlete, Contributor

High School:
Attended Pueblo South High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner in track (1972-75) and a three-year letterwinner in football (1972-74).

Achievements:
High School (Golf):
● Member of the South state championship golf team (1978).
● Member of the potentially strongest single golf team to ever play prep golf in Pueblo.
● The Colts won 12 of 13 tournaments and won the state team title by 20 strokes.

Legion Baseball:
● Legion A State tournament champions (1979). Jim pitched 12 innings in a 4-3 semifinal win (against former MLB pitcher Danny Jackson and two others pitched, with Tim Deal getting the loss).

College:
Attended the University of Southern Colorado (CSU Pueblo) from 1980-84...Four-year letterwinner on the Indians golf team.

Achievements:
College (Golf):
● Member of the Indians RMAC championship team (1981).
● Twice named all-RMIGA (Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Golf Association).

Amateur Career
Golf:
● Three-time Pueblo City Golf Champion (1990, 93 & 96) and was awarded a fourth when a pro won the tournament in 94. Finished second seven times.
● City Two-Man championship: Won nine times, once with Steve Ivan, eight times with Rich Riesner.
● Won the Pueblo City Invitational three consecutive times (1991-93).
● Won the Hyland Hills Amateur (1993).

Contributions:
● Jim has been working in various forms of sports media in Pueblo since his days in college. Television, radio, streaming, and all forms other than print.
● Has worked high school and college games, all different sports at different levels.
● Called the 2014 Division II National Championship football game with 2024 GPSA inductee Joe E. Cervi.
● Partnered with Cervi on radio and TV since 2000.
● Was recently elected to the Colorado State University Pueblo Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.
● Vocal supporter of Pack athletics.

Related Activities:
● Continues to be the "Voice of the Thunderwolves", broadcasting football, basketball, and baseball games on the radio and other streaming services.
● Emcees numerous events each year for many different organizations.

Personal:
Jim is a life-long Pueblo resident (63 years) and is married to Lori Li Chaney.

Year Inducted: 2025
Nominated By: Ron Padilla
Nominated as: Athlete

High School:
Attended Pueblo South High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner in track (1972-75) and a three-year letterwinner in football (1972-74).

Achievements:
High School (Football):
● Played under coaches: Bill Sabo, Gary Salimeno, and Roxy Burns.
● Remembered as one of the most formidable running backs in Colorado of that era.
● Displayed speed and toughness running the football for the Colts.
● Played against powerhouse notables players such as Terry Miller (who became his teammate in the NFL), Craig Ryder, and Blanch Hodge.
● Played under coaches: Bill Sabo, Gary Salimeno, and Roxy Burns.
● Earned multiple selections to the All-South-Central League Team and All-State Team.
● Recognized as the high School "Football Player-of-the-Year."

Achievements:
High School (Track):
● Played under coaches John Lenhart and Gene Morenz.
● Competed in the 100 and 200-yard dash, 800 Relay, and the Long Jump for the Colts.
● Still holds the Pueblo South school record in the Long Jump (1974).

College:
Recruited by the University of Colorado upon graduating from high school.

Achievements:
College (Football):
● Played under legendary Buffaloes coach Bill Mallory.
● Played running back, wide receiver, and kick returner for CU.
● Ran a kick-off return 98 yards for a touchdown against Big 8 rival Nebraska in his junior year in Lincoln, NE.
● At Folsom Field, Ballage ran back a 106-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
● Played against big-time non-conference opponents: University of Miami, Cal Berkley, and Ohio State (OSU).
● Buffaloes’ teammates included Dave Logan, Jeff Knapple, Don Hasselbeck, Tony Reed, James Mayberry, and Mike Spivey.
● Played in two Bowl Games: OSU in the Orange Bowl and the University of Texas in the Astro Bluebonnet Bowl.

Achievements:
Professional Football:
● Played for four different professional football teams in four years.
● Drafted in the 10th round, 252nd overall of the 1979 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
● Played for Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, who moved him to defensive back, where he was coached and developed by John Ralston.
● Played one year with the Niners, which included teammates: Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, and Tony Dungy (Another Hall of Fame coach).
● Ballage was released from San Francisco and picked up by the Buffalo Bills a year later, where he was a wide receiver under head coach Chuck Knox.
● His Bills teammates included: Joe Ferguson, Joe Cribbs, and Colorado Springs Billy Mitchell HS rival, Terry Miller.
● Played one season in Buffalo before signing with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Concordes, playing with Vince Ferragamo and the legendary Billy 'White Shoes" Johnson.
● He returned to Colorado the following year, playing for the Denver Gold, a member of the United States Football League under legendary Denver Broncos coach, Red Miller.

Personal Achievements:
● Howard is a successful entrepreneur, owning a high-end auto detailing business for over 20 years and dabbling in real estate.
● Ballage is an active volunteer, coaching his grandkids’ sports activities (track and football).

Related Activities:
● An active member of the University of Colorado Alumni "C" Club.

Personal:
Howard was a Pueblo resident for 12 years before moving to Denver, where he resides with his girlfriend Michelle. He is a proud father of two grown kids, Howie Jr. and Christa. The love of his life is his three grandkids, who include a set of twins. Howard also has recognizable family members who were similarly blessed and gifted with athletic talent in football.  Both his brother Pat Ballage and his nephew Kalen Ballage have played for Division I universities, Notre Dame and Arizona State University, respectively. Both went on to careers in the NFL.

Year Inducted: 2024
Nominated By: Julie Yalotz (daughter)
Sports Competed In: Racing
Nominated as: Athlete

Before High School:
Softball 14U State Champions, Catcher 1952-1954 (coaches John & Dan Rosales)

High School:
Attended Pueblo Central High School...Played catcher for the Wildcats...Three year letterman...Member of 1956 State Baseball Championship team.

Military:
● Joined the United States Marines Corps (1960-64).
● Worked as a jet aircraft mechanic.
● Expert rifleman
● Honorable Discharge

Racing:
● Automobile Racing: 1958 - On and off for 66 years.
● Competed at Pikes Peak Speedway, Roy Sportsman's Raceway Park, Colorado Springs International Speedway in Colorado Springs.
● Altus Oklahoma and Craig Road Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada.
● The Copper World Classic, Phoenix International Raceway 1985.
● Licensed NASCAR driver, Southwest Tour series, 1998 Thru 2009, at Pikes Peak International Raceway and Colorado National Speedway.

Stock Cars (1958-2009):
● Super Late Model Champion, Beacon Hill Speedway 1972. Licensed NASCAR driver 1998 thru 2009.
● Driven through out Colorado and Kansas, also Oklahoma, Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.
● Has won well over 100 races, however no one has kept track of the exact number.

Sprint Car (2004-Present):
● Super Late Model Champion, Beacon Hill Speedway 1972. Licensed NASCAR driver 1998 thru 2009.
● Driven through out Colorado and Kansas, also Oklahoma, Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.
● Has won well over 100 races, however no one has kept track of the exact number.

Contributions:
● Kiwanis Club of Pueblo (1989-present). First two-term president of this club.
● Marine Corps League: "Home of Hero's" detachment 1376 for over 10 years.

Personal Affiliations/Achievements:
● Inducted into the Colorado Motor Sports Hall of Fame class of 2023.
● Civil Air Patrol member for over 40 years and former Mountain Mission Pilot.

Related Activities:
Bill is still driving a vintage spring car with the Colorado Vintage Oval Races and Kansas Antique Racers and winning all over Colorado and Kansas.

Personal:
Life-long resident of Pueblo (84 years)... Married to his wife Sandra...Currently lives in Pueblo West, CO.

Year Inducted: 2024
Nominated By: Dave Dudley
Nominated as: Contributor

High School:
Attended Pueblo South High School, graduating in 1975.

College:
Continued his higher education at the University of Southern Colorado...Graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Contributor:
Arch Billmire Company (1982-84):
● Hired as a sales associate based out of Denver representing Russell Athletic and Johnson & Johnson products.
● Mike's USC degree and experience gained working at Herb's Sports Shop in downtown Pueblo during high school and college were critical factors separating him from other candidates.
● Hiring at Arch Billmire Company led to a life-long and storied career in the sporting goods industry.

Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc. (1984-present: 40 years and counting):
● Recruited Mike to San Diego, CA to lead sales efforts in the very competitive southern California market.
● Has held several senior executive level positions focusing his efforts on sales and marketing activities including the position of "Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing & New Business Development" and his current position since 2017 as "Chief Marketing Officer"
● Guided the Rawlings brand to incredible success working closely with Major League Baseball (MLB), Minor League Baseball, the National Football League, the NCAA, numerous amateur and youth organizations including the Babe Ruth League, Little League and Perfect Game.
● Instrumental in the Rawlings acquisition of Easton, a major manufacture of aluminum style baseball bats, softball bats.

Achievements:
● Earned numerous awards at Rawlings including, "Rookie Salesman of the Year" in 1985, 3x Regional Sales Manager , for outstanding sales production and the “Finest in the Field Award” for corporate leadership.
● Earned a promotion to Regional Sales Manager with product sales responsibilities over much of the western US (1989).
● Selected as National Director of Sales and soon became Vice President of Sales (1994).
● He became the youngest VP in Rawlings history.
● Developed professional business and personal relationships with professional athletes, coaches and executives throughout professional and amateur baseball as well as many other sports.
● Helped elevate the Rawlings brand throughout the North American sports world as well as in South America, Europe, Australia, Korea and Japan.
● Has presented many Rawlings "Gold Glove" awards to MLB players in ballparks throughout America over the years. This award has been around since 1957 for baseball defensive excellence at each position in both the National and American Leagues and is one of the most coveted awards a player can receive.
● Created the annual Gold Glove Award celebration event traditionally held for award winners and their guests at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, NYC. This is one of the premier events in all of sport.

Contributions:
● Has made significant contributions to the business success of the 136-year-old company during his 40+ years with Rawlings Sporting Goods, Inc.
● His success is grounded in hard work which was ingrained into him at an early age during a modest upbringing with proud Pueblo blue-collar roots and discipline gained through competitive childhood sports.
● Has developed and still maintains relationships with some of the greatest players and organizations in baseball history.
● Created the "Platinum Glove Award" (2011), allowing fans to vote electronically to select the best defensive players in both leagues from Gold Glove Award winners.
● Recently led the design of the new Rawlings corporate headquarters building located in suburban St. Louis which includes an immersive experience called "The Rawlings Experience" where visitors can experience baseball history, demo Rawlings products, design personalized gloves and bats or purchase memorabilia.
● Helped market the Rawlings brand through oversight of baseball glove contracts negotiations with many star players at the major league level while also ensuring the Rawlings baseball continues as the official ball, glove, helmet and base of Major League Baseball.

Personal Affiliations/Achievements:
● "Angel Award" Prostate Cancer Fans for the Cure.
●  "Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Inductee" (2024).
●  "Baseball Hall of Fame Leadership Council" - Baseball HOF.
●  "One of 21 Top Leaders for the 21st Century in Sports" - Sports Trend's Magazine.
●  "Meritorious Service Award" - Baseball Coaches of America.
●  "Lifetime Achievement Award" - Men's Senior League Baseball.
●  "Presidents Award" Youth Basketball of America.
●  "Alumni Association Board Emeritus" - Babe Ruth League.
●  "Board of Director Member" - St. Louis Sports Commission.
●  "Partner Award" - Albert Pujols Foundation.

Related Activities:
● Has quietly supported numerous organizations through product donations and financial contributions never seeking public attention.
● Has provided uniforms, bats, balls and other equipment to several needy school, college and club teams in Colorado, Missouri and other teams around the country.
● Provided significant personal funds in support of Runyon Field during a time of financial need a few years ago along with another Pueblo South High graduate.

Personal:
Pueblo resident for 22 years...Currently resides in Chesterfield, MO, along with his wife Colleen.