Umpires, DJ's, Announcers, Mascots, Circus Entertainers of All Varieties...
Click to audition with us Mar 13!
See daily updates:
News Buzz As Far as Miami & Manila:
TV: FOX Signing Day, WGN9, WSVN, 5Chicago, CBS, F32, NBC, FOX, WAND
Online: Hoodline, Block Club, Yahoo Sports, TimeOut, Stadium Journey, The Record
Print: Chicago Tribune, Journal & Topics, Telegraph, Intelligencer, Journal-Courier, Daily Herald, Manila Times
Radio: WGN, Q98.5, WBBM
Group Experiences
Corp. outings, team-building, bday/retirement parties, community groups, extended families, and more -- we'll create a memorable experience 4U!
Are YOU a Snowball?
We've still got a few openings for multi-talented ball players (especially women) to help us create our first million smiles! Play the tuba? Walk on your hands? Skydive? 🌞
Entertainers + Others
We're seeking special people, especially women, with umpire, DJ, announcer, circus stunts, mascot antics, or other "wildcard' skills/personality -- Auditioning 3/13 ❄️
(Also office help, submit a CV!)
Press/Sponsor Inquiries
Be part of the next big thing to hit Chicagoland --fun first, inclusive, family entertainment
Happy to discuss our unique offering of fun-first, inclusive, family entertainment and equal pay, equal play.
See daily updates:
Countdown to our May 3 season opener at Kerry Wood
Our First Draft Player-Performers
Amarion Watson
Avry Blume
Brandon West
Brian Kent
Clay Chapman
Corey Bell
Douglas DiCesare
Gunnar Boley
Johnny Maltese-miller
Jonah Campbell
Jonathan Ottenfeld
Juan Desiderio
Kamarni Gaiter Jr.
Kyle Duff-Hudson
Kyle Piotrowski
Laila Summers
Logan Riley
Maximus Bullock
Nicholas Heerde
Raul Anaya
Rayquan Minor
Rick Petricca
Ross Bennett
Sabrina Robinson
Tommy Chyna
Zachary Suits
The Inaugural 27:
Snowballs First Draft Performers
OVER 600 CLICKED APPLY. 27 MADE THE CUT.
CHICAGOLAND — The Chicago Snowballs, the nation’s first professional co-ed sportstainment baseball program, announced its inaugural roster of 27 player-performers on Signing Day, February 22, 2026. After a rigorous January 2026 audition process that drew more than 600 applicants from across the country, 27 extraordinary athletes — one-of-a-kind entertainers — have officially signed on to make history.
This isn't just baseball. This is co-ed sportstainment — where elite athleticism meets circus showmanship, dance, tumbling, and pure Chicago energy. Equal pay, equal play. The Snowballs' inaugural class brings together teachers, firefighters, IT managers, actors, musicians, judo senseis, and at least one documented ninja warrior-in-training, all united by a love of the game and a flair for the dramatic.
"Of the hundreds of people who answered the call, we found extraordinary talent for performances all around Chicagoland," said CEO Cherie Travis. "Our first Signing Day was a celebration of everything the Snowballs represent: joy, family, inclusivity, kindness, engagement, and equality." Thousands of Founding Fans have already signed up to buy tickets for performances beginning in May: season opener at Kerry Wood Stadium May 3rd.
NEXT AUDITION: MARCH 27, 2026
The Snowballs are still staffing an as-yet-unnamed second team — and they're especially calling women player-performers with razzle dazzle to step up. Whether they missed out on WPBL or Savannah Bananas, this could the the opportunity to be part of history. Information about auditioning March 27th for pro baseball’s first co-ed sportstainment experience above!
MEET THE INAUGURAL 27
The roster is as diverse as the region itself, with cast members hailing from neighborhoods and towns across Chicagoland and beyond:
Amarion Watson: Home town, Chicago IL. Plays baseball, basketball, football, and can flip like nobody’s business!
Avry Blume: Home town, Belvidere IL. The self-proclaimed "Rooted and Relentless" catcher/utility who prays over game plans and breaks down biometrics.
Brandon West: Home town, Chicago IL. Brandon is currently in school for Aircraft Maintenance. When he's not pumping jet fuel in tanks he's pumping it on the mound!
Brian Kent: Home town, Chicago IL. A personal trainer, strength coach, catching coach, and judo sensei. #FeelsGoodToBeStrong
Clay Chapman: Home town, Orlando FL. Can rap Rapper's Delight word for word and do a spot-on Kronk impression. Chappy comes ready to entertain.
Corey Bell: Home town, Harvey IL. More coming soon.
Douglas DiCesare: Home town, Aurora OH. "Doug E. Fresh" is proud father of three wonderful boys who throws heat from the outfield and the pitcher's mound.
Gunnar Boley: Home town, Elgin IL. "GBO" is a university events coordinator who can do a standing back tuck. Watch out, outfield walls.
Johnny Maltese-Miller: Home town, Park Ridge IL — A twin, a utility player, and a dedicated charity supporter who saves kittens from trees in his off hours.
Jonah Campbell: Home town, Arcadia CA. Writes TV commercials for a living, teaches yoga on the side, and brings "Sunshine" to every lineup.
Jonathan Ottenfeld: Home town, Evergreen Park IL. "Jonny O" is a Second City writing program alum, wedding DJ, and seasoned minor league emcee. He's basically done everything!
Juan Desiderio: Home town, Grant Park IL. Claims to have thrown more snowballs than any person in the continental United States between 2000 and 2010. Naturally, a perfect fit.
Kamarni Gaiter Jr: Home town, Chicago IL. "KJ" is an actor and baseball coach/trainer at OZ Park with a superpower: connecting with people of any skill, ethnicity, or background.
Kyle Duff-Hudson: Home town, Chicago IL. "KD / FroZone" is a baseball coach for the Show, bringing professional-level insight to every rep.
Kyle Ryley Piotrowski: Home town, Pingree Grove IL. As a fitness director and huge Elvis fan, be sure to check out his muscles and moves on the mound!
Laila Summers: Home town, Tinley Park IL. "Slayla" is a singer, a right-handed pitcher, and a first baseman. She does it all. #taughtHimThat #YOLO
Logan Riley: Home town, Sycamore IL. More coming soon.
Maximus Bullock: Home town, Chicago IL. "Prime Max" went viral on TikTok for wild hamster content, recites handstand poems, and does a decent Eka Pada Koundinyasana II.
Nicholas James Heerde: Home town, Frankfort IL. "SuperStache" is a Creative Director, multimedia company owner, and photographer. He is the big glue guy. #loveyours
Raul Anaya: Home town, Lombard IL. "Anayalator" speaks Spanish, raps and played ball in Europe, but is excited to be back to play in Chicago!
Rayquan Minor: Home town, Cabrini Green. "RayRay / Sting Ray" runs a high-fashion motivational streetwear brand built on the motto: earn every meal.
Rick Petricca: Home town, Arlington Heights IL. "Slick, Papi, Ricky P" is a Senior Commercial IT Manager at Suntory Global Spirits — home of Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, and Basil Hayden. He also solves a Rubik's Cube quickly.
Ross Bennett: Home town, Mequon WI. "Hot Sauce Ross" is a quantitative developer at an options market making trading firm by day, and proudly the oldest player on the team.
Ryan Vega: Home town, Chicago IL. "RyGuy" is a shortstop who has collaborated with Mets Hall of Famer Daryl Strawberry to talk to kids about baseball and religion.
Sabrina Robinson: Home town, Charlotte, NC. Sabrina puts 100% energy into everything she does, but she loves making people smile and feel included the most!
Tommy Chyna: Home town, LaGrange Park IL. "Tommy Boy" is a pitcher/catcher who rides mountain bikes and can switch-hit and pitch in stilts. Yes, stilts.
Zachary Suits: Home town, Downers Grove IL. "Magic Zakk" is a firefighter, a paramagician, and house flipper. Because doing one thing at a time is for amateurs.
Leadership
Cherie Travis
CEO and Co-Founder
Cherie is a Chicago attorney and real estate investor as well as an Adjunct Professor at the DePaul College of Law and instructor at the Chicago Police Academy. She is deeply invested in the Chicago community and volunteers for charitable causes involving animals, the environment and youth sports through the Radcliffe Youth Sports Organization, ZeroLandfill Chicago, Friends of the Children and the Chicago Animal Law Students Initiative.
Paul Travis
CMO and Co-Founder
Paul (brother) is a tech-marketing veteran, having consulted and worked with dozens of startups. Following a B.A. degree from UIUC, he studied Brand Management Meaning at the Harvard Business School Executive Program. His eclectic career includes leading marketing for publicly traded Net Nanny Software, launching a vegetarian fast-food restaurant chain in Seattle, and software development at Microsoft.
Kristen Adamiak
Project Manager
Kristen spent 20 years in healthcare administration, thriving in fast-moving environments where precision, teamwork, and execution matter most. A natural organizer, she keeps complex projects on track while supporting the people behind them. Rooted in her hometown and passionate about animal advocacy, Kristen brings heart, hustle, and a commitment to making a real impact — on and off the field.
Stacey Lewis
Group Experiences
Stacey brings more than a decade of experience in event strategy, corporate partnerships, group sales and live event production, transforming bold ideas into unforgettable experiences. As owner of LEAD Events Chicago, she has led high-impact cultural productions, top grossing nonprofit galas and luxury brand experiences across the region and is thrilled to be a part of the Chicago Snowballs team.
David Husband
Baseball Coach
David brings extensive experience in travel and high school baseball, including coaching with The Show travel program and Morgan Park High School. Known for his strong talent evaluation and high baseball IQ, he develops players while building fundamentally sound, competitive teams. His strategic approach and attention to detail strengthen the Snowballs’ commitment to excellence on the field.
Emmanuel McGhee
Tumbling Coach
Emmanuel is the head coach for the Jesse White Tumbling Team, blending precision, performance, and deep community impact. A state compliance professional, he’s mentored over 1,000 young people while performing on national stages. McGhee embodies Snowballs spirit-discipline, showmanship, and Chicago pride — proving that athletic artistry can change lives and strengthen communities.
Pierre Lockett
Dance Coach
As Executive Director of Forward Momentum Chicago, Pierre brings a creative heartbeat to the Snowballs. A celebrated dancer and tireless youth advocate, he’s empowered 35,000+ CPS students. Pierre champions joy, discipline, and possibility—showing how movement, mentorship, and arts access can uplift a city and inspire the next generation of performers and fans.
Tonya Radcliffe
Cheer Coach
Tonya is a longtime Chicago-based youth sports coach/ organizer, recognized for her passionate leadership with Radcliffe’s Youth Sports Organization. A cheer/dance coach with 20 years experience, she just led her team to a 2026 national championship victory, reflecting her commitment to excellence, mentorship, and empowering young athletes through community-based sports.
Christopher Crater
Chris brings purpose-driven leadership and equity to the Snowballs community. At the Obama Foundation, he leads My Brother’s Keeper Chicago, advancing evidence-based strategies that uplift boys and young men of color. A recognized change-maker, Chris mobilizes communities, schools, and partners to create lasting opportunity, inclusion, and positive futures across Chicago.
Mike Dee
Mike is the architect of one of the Midwest’s most consistently elite college baseball programs. Since 1999, he’s built UIC into a perennial contender, developing over 50 professional players, producing a three-time MLB All-Star in Curtis Granderson, winning 12 Horizon League titles, and earning 10 Coach of the Year honors. Dee’s legacy blends championship culture, player development, and sustained excellence.
Trey Frahler
Trey is President of Illinois Baseball Academy, serving 5,000+ youth annually. Former All-Patriot League pitcher at Bucknell and Wheaton College pitching coach, he led teams to record-low ERAs while developing all-conference and professional pitchers. Passionate about fundamentals and character development, he partners with communities to grow baseball and develop tomorrow's leaders.
Ameera Haamid, MD
Ameera is a nationally recognized emergency medicine/ EMS physician advancing equity-driven leadership across emergency care systems. An academic physician at UChicago Medicine, she provides regional EMS oversight, authors national CPR guidelines with the AHA, and leads innovative education, policy, and research initiatives that elevate clinical excellence, community trust, and system-wide impact.
Abdullah Pratt, MD
Abdullah is an Emergency Medicine physician and Assistant Professor at UChicago Medical Center. Raised on Chicago's South Side after losing his brother to gun violence, he now leads community-focused efforts improving health literacy, emergency preparedness, and trauma response in underserved neighborhoods through hands-on training and mentorship.
Ernest Radcliffe
Ernest is Head Baseball Coach at Triton College, named in 2024 after a 16-year tenure at Morgan Park High School where he compiled a 244-170 record. The only Public League coach to win a state trophy this century (4th place, 2015), he's an Illinois Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee with five decades of playing and coaching experience across youth, high school, and collegiate levels.
Jesse White
Jesse is a legendary Chicago leader, educator, and youth advocate, and the founder of the world-renowned Jesse White Tumblers. A former Illinois Secretary of State and lifelong champion for young people, he has dedicated decades to discipline, opportunity, and excellence through athletics and performance. As a member of the Frost Advisory, Jesse brings unmatched credibility, inspiration, and community trust to the Snowballs’ mission.
See daily updates:
In The Press
See daily updates: