Eric Welsh

Eric graduated from Carl Sandburg High School, earning All-Area honors in both football and baseball. He continued his athletic career at Northern Illinois University, where he excelled as both a pitcher and hitter for three years. Before being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, Eric became the university’s “All-Time Career Home Run Leader.”

Eric went on to spend eight years playing for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox organizations. During his career, he made three All-Star teams, three All-Defensive teams, and led his teams in home runs five times. He was also part of two League Championship-winning teams. In the off-season, Eric dedicated his time to training young athletes in Chicago’s south suburbs, specializing in hitting, defense, pitching, and strength training.

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