League Leadership

Sheridan McGuane Baseball and Softball is an all-volunteer run organization. We are a community organization that seeks to build the future generation of our nation’s leaders. Our Board of Directors seeks to lead from the same principles that we build in our players: servant leadership, community and citizenship.

Mark Hamstra

President

Mark is a father of four, a high school principal by trade and a coach at heart. In addition to his career as an education leader, Mark is a former Army Officer and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran with fourteen years of service and military leadership. Mark transitioned into education following his military service and is a dedicated community leader who is passionate about the power of sport to connect communities and to build the next generation of leaders for our city and our country. "I have been with Sheridan McGuane baseball since 2013 and am truly grateful for the experience that Sheridan McGuane baseball has given my children. The memories of a Friday night at Sheridan or an early saturday morning practice at McGuane are irreplaceable for me and my family. I’m incredibly excited to continue to build the excellent tradition and baseball experience that is Sheridan McGuane."

Paul Konrad

Vice President

Paul is a father of four and has worked for WGN-TV since 1996 as a weather forecaster. “I have had my four kids in Sheridan McGuane Baseball since 2007. My family has had so many precious memories of fun and laughter centered around baseball and softball. We have learned and grown together through playing sports. I love baseball and helping kids to learn how to be their best.”

Joey Rodriguez

Director of Logistics

Joey joined the Sheridan McGuane Baseball and Softball league in 2021 when he enrolled his son. Joey became a head coach and recruited his wife as an assistant coach. Since then, he has committed himself to the league and to the many families who sign up each year. Joey is a Chicago native and played baseball for much of his youth. He has a real passion for the sport. When Joey is not coaching baseball, he works as a health Actuary. “These kids will be our future and teaching them our three C’s through baseball is a win-win.”

Rob Bernstein

Director of Communications, Marketing & Recruiting

Rob is a father of two and is the Vice President of Howl at the Moon, a live music concept in the River North neighborhood in Chicago as well as in 13 other cities across the country. Rob has a passion for baseball (and sports in general), much like the other members of the board. His son has been playing in the Sheridan McGuane Baseball league since 2019, where Rob has also coached. "There is a special feeling about Sheridan Park, it's one of the true hidden gems in the city of Chicago."

Mike Cipolla

Director of Finance (Treasurer)

Mike is a father of two and is the C.F.O. of Charter Steel Trading Co., Inc. on Chicago’s west side. “My son Jacob has been a part of Sheridan McGuane Baseball since 2016, and I’ve been coaching there for the last 4 years. We love Sheridan McGuane Baseball because it feels like one big family. Through the years, we’ve met so many different people and have made so many friends.”

Mike Fournier

Director of Operations

Mike is a Chicago native and IT professional who has lived in Little Italy with his family for the past fifteen years. “I have been with Sheridan McGuane Baseball since 2012. Sheridan McGuane baseball has provided me with some of the most cherished moments in my sons life. I want every family to experience the same thing.”

Kristen SZABLA

Director of Community & Corporate Partnerships

Kristen is mom to 3 Sheridan McGuane players and has lived in the West Loop/Little Italy area for 18 years. She was asked to join the board in 2021 to work on increasing our fundraising efforts as well as building partnerships within our communities to enhance our baseball and softball programs. "Sheridan Park is a very special place for our family. We spend countless hours here year round! Our family feel so lucky to be part of this great community and we can't wait to see our programs grow." When not at Sheridan Park, Kristen can be found in her mini van taxiing kids around the city or working as VP of Growth for Anchor World Services.

WILLIE CORREA

SOFTBALL COMMISIONER

Willie is a father of three and was born, raised and continues to reside in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. His day job is working at Northeastern Illinois University with a Title V grant that works at 13 High Schools on the northside of Chicago. He has been dedicated to coaching for numerous years and was welcomed to the Sheridan family in 2021 after a recommendation from another SMB family. He saw the passion they have for the sport of softball/baseball."I want other families in Chicago to have the same experience my kids continue to enjoy"

NATE MARTIN

BASEBALL COMMISIONER

Nate is a father of two and works in healthcare. He has been a part of Sheridan McGuane for five years where he has served as a House League and Generals coach, as well as an umpire. He played baseball from age 5 through high school, and many of his best memories from childhood were on the baseball field. "I'm excited to support and serve a league that promotes strong community baseball and strives to create lasting memories for our youth."

Advisory Board

(Responsible for advising and consulting on the long term development of the league):

Joe Del Preto: Strategic Consultant
John Clifford: Baseball Consultant
Herb Keeler: Former President
George Johnson: Baseball Consultant
Bart Moy: Community Engagement Consultant
Armando Chacon: Director of Business Partnerships
DJ Romano: Baseball Consultant

Support Staff

(Volunteer staff who support the board of directors and our league with specialized support)

Bookkeeper/Administrative Support: Vianey Contreras
Director of Marketing & Branding: Sean Strimple
Director of Pitching: Chris Smolky
Director of Community Volunteers: Vacant. Let us know if you are interested! We are looking for someone to coordinate our volunteers and run important community events (end of year picnic, Memorial Day parade, concessions, etc).
Field Supervisor: Vacant. Let us know if you are interested! We are in need of someone to coordinate the maintenance of our McGuane Park fields. Enjoy getting outside, painting baseliness, raking and maintaining our baseball fields? This is for you!

FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE EMAIL:

board@sheridanmcguanebaseball.com