Neil is a native of Kankakee, Illinois and plans to graduate from community college this spring with an Associates in Arts.  He received the Batting Award his freshman year at KCC.  In high school, he was team captain and was named All-Conference and was an All-State nominee.  We are looking forward to the positive influence Neil, and his brother Ken, will have on and off the field!

To visit Neil's school website go to:
http://www.kcc.edu/athletics/menssports/Pages/default.aspx

Each year we learn a little bit more about our players through a questionnaire!

Why do you want to play baseball in Niagara Falls?
I want to play baseball in Niagara Falls, not only because it's a completely new area of the country for me, but also because I have heard amazing things about the area there, and I am really excited to be a part of that community.
What do you hope to do after college?
Play baseball, raise a family, and start my career (in no particular order).  My plan is to become a marriage counselor and work for my dad who is the founder of a Christian counseling service called Peacefire.
Biggest thing that has surprised you in life after high school?
The challenge of being accountable to yourself.  I haven't necessarily failed at this yet, but it's much more of a task than I thought it would be.
Favorite type of music:
Christian Rock and /or Country
Favorite MLB player ever:
Josh Hamilton
Favorite MLB Team:
St. Louis Cardinals
Favorite Bible Verse:
"Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18
Favorite Vacation Spot:
Traverse City, Michigan
Favorite TV Show:
White Collar
Favorite Holiday and why?
Thanksgiving.  It's the only time of year that I get to see all of my family in one place.  Plus I'm all about giving thanks.
If you couldn't play baseball what sport would you play?
Golf.  I love it.  Maybe a little too much.
Who has had the biggest positive influence on your life, other than your parents?
My grandpa.  He has shown me so many times what it really means to be a man.  He and I are really close.
If you were going to do "mission" work what country and why?
I feel like maybe America needs it more than anyone, spiritually that is.  But if we're talking out of the country, I would love to got North Korea, they need help.
Do you have any non-sports related talents?
Well, I sing and dabble in the guitar and piano.  Otherwise I love just helping people and being a friend.
Morning person or night owl?
Morning, definitely
Mess or OCD?
Somewhere in the middle, I can't stand a mess though.
If you had to go without one thing for a week which would it be: TV, Smartphone/IPod or Car?
TV
When did you start playing baseball?
My dad had a ball in my hand when I was born, but my first game was when I was 6.
Favorite Baseball Memory?
My dad hit a homerun on the night that I was born.
Ideal/Favorite Pet or no pet?
I love dogs.
Best and worst food:
Best: Bacon Cheeseburgers   Worst: Broccoli, I'll go without.