Brian Forystek

Brian graduated from Carl Sandburg High School, where he earned numerous accolades in both baseball and soccer. His achievements included USA Today All-American honors, being named Chicago Tribune Pitcher of the Year, and being drafted by the Florida Marlins. However, he chose to continue his education at Illinois State University before pursuing a professional baseball career.

At Illinois State, Brian excelled on the baseball field. As a four-year letter winner, he ranked second in career strikeouts, third in innings pitched, and sixth in wins in the school’s history. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and was subsequently drafted by the Baltimore Orioles.

Brian went on to pitch professionally for nine seasons, earning a spot on the Orioles’ 40-man roster for two and a half seasons. He pitched at every level of the minor leagues, from Rookie to AAA, accumulating numerous honors along the way. In the off-seasons, Brian furthered his career by competing in the Arizona Fall League, as well as the Venezuelan and Puerto Rican winter leagues.

Fifteen years ago, Brian and his partner, Eric Welsh, founded Future Stars Baseball Academy. Their academy has since become a hub for some of Chicago’s top travel, high school, and college players.