Our Story

Our story is built around youth sports and a passion of providing young athletes with a disciplined, structured and positive experience. The three of us have spent several years coaching together and have focused on four main principles: Sportsmanship, Dedication, Character and having Fun! Here is some more information about us:

Adam Shabala – Playing high school sports in Streator, Ilinois, Adam garnered many varsity 1st team All-Conference  honors in baseball, basketball, and golf. Adam was inducted into Streator Townships High School Hall of Fame in 2006. After graduating from Streator High School, Adam enjoyed 2 stand out years playing for the Kishwaukee Kougars. While there, Adam was named to both the Region IV and All Conference 1st teams in ’97 and ‘98. Adam still holds multiple career records at Kishwaukee and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2011. Adam’s stellar junior college career led him to the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Nebraska’s back to back Big XII championship teams as well as the MVP of the 2000 Big XII tournament. Adam was selected in the 10th round of the MLB amateur draft as the 301st pick. Adam spent 8 seasons playing professionally for the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox organizations. Adam reached the Major Leagues in 2005 playing outfield for the San Francisco Giants . A former outfielder, Adam was selected to the 2006 AAA all-star game as an infielder while with the Giants affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies.

Ray Castro – Growing up in Cicero, Illinois, Ray played soccer, basketball, and baseball at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL earning Suburban Life 1st team All-Area and Private School League 1st team All-Conference honors in baseball in 1991 and 1992. In 2019, Ray was inducted into the Nazareth Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from Nazareth Academy, Ray played 1 year of baseball at Carthage College before a knee injury in his sophomore campaign ended his career. Ray continues to play men’s adult baseball winning multiple local and National championships with his Cicero Pirates, Chicago Aces and Chicago Woodpeckers teams.

Erik Eloe – Growing up in Shelbyville, Illinois, Erik played soccer, basketball, and baseball in local leagues and programs throughout his youth and in high school. Erik then spent four years playing DIII baseball for Maranatha Baptist University, which was part of the Northern Athletic Conference (NAC). Erik continues to be involved in his sons’ teams and local baseball organizations.

Casey Shabala - Growing up in Streator, Illinois, Case attended Streator Township High School where she earned 3 varsity letters each for softball and volleyball. She was named Female Athelete of the Year while also earning multiple MVP, Golden Glove, Most Digs and Most Aces awards. Casey achieved All Conference Honors and went on to continue her softball career playing shortstop for Illinois Valley Community College is Oglesby, Illinois, where she earned awards for Batting Average, RBI’s, Leadership and Golden Glove. After college, Casey continued to play in many recreational leagues throughout Chicagoland for both fast pitch and slow pitch softball teams. Casey is now a stay at home mom to three active boys and a pup. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, teaching baseball and softball and attending her boys and nephews games. She is a life long Cubs fan and her favorite MLB players are Andre Dawnson and Aaron Judge. Casey currently helps coach her boys’ baseball teams and the Lil’ Hitters program at Batters Box.

Adam, Ray, Erik and Casey are actively involved and volunteer in the Plainfield Athletic Club (PAC) on an ongoing basis.