Ron, when he came to FCA Baseball in August of 2003, brought with him 17+ years of sports ministry experience through Athletes in Action.  He graduated from Cedarville University, a Christian liberal arts college, majoring in Communications.  It was at Cedarville, as a baseball player, where Ron developed a passion for combining sports with ministry. 

Upon graduation, and after a few years in the work force, Ron made the commitment to join the staff of Athletes in Action.  While with AIA, he served in the baseball division for his first 10 years, directing this aspect of the ministry for 5 of those years.  He had the privilege of serving on 17 international sports teams projects, involving 26 different countries, mainly collegiate competing baseball projects, but including the coordination of the sports clinic ministry strategy of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia and the directing of the AIA Team involved with the 1990  Commonwealth Games Outreach in Aukland, NZ.  In addition, Ron has organized, conducted, directed and instructed at numerous Athletes in Action Baseball Clinics in the U.S. and overseas, including 2 AIA MLB Fantasy Baseball Camps for men in Kissimmee, FL in 1993 & 1994, where he and his staff organized the baseball aspect of the camps to be similar to other Major League Baseball Fantasy Camps, while at the same time adding to the experience a personal enrichment conference for the men who attended, and their wives. 

Ron’s final years with Athletes in Action had him serving in their Resource & Marketing and Media Divisions, overseeing several video production projects, like the Sports Outreach America -  Super Bowl Outreach Video and the AIA promotional video.  He was also involved in the coordination of the audio/visual portion of the annual AIA Super Bowl Breakfast & Bart Starr Award Presentation, as well as the organization of two NFL Pro Challenge Golf Tournaments.  

Since 2001, Ron has been involved in creating a unique youth baseball strategy in Cincinnati, Ohio that combines serious baseball training and competition with Biblical-based character and leadership development, while prioritizing keeping fun in the game and preparing athletes to play at the highest level, both now and in the future (high school, college and professional).    Currently, Ron operates an indoor FCA Baseball Training Facility in Cincinnati where over 25 teams workout during the off-season, and where he provides individual and small group instruction as well.   Ron has just finished coaching and directing the FCA Baseball 18u Astros, which started when the boys were 12 years old. 
 

As FCA’s Youth Baseball Director, Ron is attempting to develop a national youth baseball ministry for The Fellowship of Christian Athletes by taking the model (the teams, programs, activities, events, curriculum, organizational structure, etc.) that he and his volunteer staff team have been developing in Cincinnati under the name of FCA Baseball, and replicating it nationally, partnering with FCA staff around the United States to establish several FCA Baseball teams in various age groups, to positively and Biblically impact players, coaches, parents, families, league administrators, tournament directors, officials/umpires, the media, fans, and entire communities. 

Today’s Youth Sports Culture in America has a huge need for this kind of program to be developed, not only in baseball, but other youth sports as well.  With God’s help and direction, through the effective platform of sports, Ron hopes to help young athletes (and all others influenced by youth sports) see their need for Christ and their need for the everyday application of Biblical truth, so they can develop into men and women with Christ-like character.    

Heather is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University, majoring in Communications and Biblical Studies.  She is interested in missions and linguistics.  While in high school, Heather was part of several youth missions teams, traveling to Mexico, New York City and the Ukraine.  While at DBU, Heather was involved with several Missions Trips to Honduras, where she witnessed God's hand at work again.   Heather is currently working at Starbuck's and is waiting on her boyfriend to finish his degree at DBU, before making "other" plans.  Nelson is a godly young man from Honduras, who is undecided what he will do upon graduation from college, but he does love our daughter, so we think he may be part of hers and our future.  Heather loves the Lord and has a very sweet spirit.  Maybe that’s why her Dad still calls her his Sweet Pea.  

Kyle is a graduate with honors of Kings High School (Cincinnati, Ohio), where he played baseball for his varsity team.  As a four year letterman for the Knights, Kyle was selected in 2007 to play in the Mizuno All Ohio Series at The Ohio State University.  For the past 6 years, Kyle has been involved in the competitive, select baseball program directed by his Dad.  The unique thing about this program is that it not only emphasizes quality baseball instruction and competition, but it proactively uses the platform of baseball to teach Biblical character & leadership principles and real-life lessons.  Kyle’s baseball experience has been a discipleship and missions opportunity wrapped into one.  This program is what FCA Baseball is now attempting to develop into its prototype youth baseball team ministry, to be replicated around the United States.  Kyle is a good son with a good sense of humor; he loves the Lord; he's an avid X-Box 360 Gamer and he’s a fine example to others of one who is responsible, caring, and a good friend.  Kyle will be attending Greenville College in Illinois in the fall of 2007.  He will be playing Division III baseball and majoring in Biology / Pre-Med.

Ashley will be a freshman this year.  After making straight A's the last 2 years, but because of the family's impending move to Memphis,  she will most likely be homeschooled for her ninth grade school year.  She has been a cheerleader at Kings Junior High for a few years (just like her mom was).  Ashley really loves animals, but her dad won’t let her own a dog.  He says it’s because they cost more than raising a child, they leave hair all over the place, they yap all day long and they don’t clean up after themselves.  As a result, Ashley's had to settle for a gecko, a few mice, a hamster and some fish over the years.  Ashley played the violin for 2 years and a little piano as well, but currently plays the claranet and picks at the guitar occasionally.  Ashley also loves the Lord and is actively involved in her youth group at church.  She’s a loyal friend and often makes people laugh.