About
Future Stars was founded by two former professional baseball players who have a passion for teaching. We think this is an important way to give back to the community.
We train future baseball stars between the ages of 8 and 18 to develop their baseball knowledge and skills.
The Founders
About Eric Welsh
Eric graduated from Carl Sandburg High School, where he received All-Area honors in football and baseball.
After high school he attended Northern Illinois University, serving double duty pitching and hitting for three years. Eric’s college career was cut short after being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, but not before he became the school’s “All-Time Career Homerun Leader.”
After college Eric spent eight years with 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 homeruns five times. During this time, Eric and his teammates won two League Championship titles. In the off-season, Eric trained young athletes at baseball academies Chicago’s south suburbs, specializing in hitting, defense, pitching, and strength training.
On top of his baseball career, Eric is a certified personal trainer and ran a “Fitness for Kids” program. Four years ago Eric established his own academy, “Future Starts Baseball Club.” His clients include some of Chicago’s best travel teams and high school and college players.
Eric and his wife, Kristin, currently live in Mokena with their four children – Evan, Colin, Austin and Grace.
About Brian Forystek
Brian graduated from Carl Sandburg High School with baseball and soccer accomplishments that include USA Today All-American, Chicago Tribune Pitcher of the Year, and being drafted by the Florida Marlins. He decided to continue his education and attended Illinois State University beforing pursuing a professional baseball career.
At Illinois State University, he continued his success on the baseball field. As a four year letter winner, Brian totaled the second most strikeouts, third most innings pitched, and sixth most wins in school history. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science and was then drafted by the Baltimore Orioles.
Brian pitched nine professional seasons and earned a spot on the 40 man roster for two and a half seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched at every level in the minor leagues (Rookie-AAA) where he accumulated numerous honors. During the off season of his professional career he pitched in the Arizona Fall League, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican winter leagues.
Over the last eight years, Brian has dedicated his talent to teaching pitching mechanics, arm strength, and arm conditioning programs to kids of all ages.
Brian and his wife, Carrie, currently live in Tinley Park with their daughter Mia.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to train young baseball players through the development of fundamental skills and the instruction of critical baseball tactics and techiques that combine to support the physical and mental growth of our committed athletes. Additionally, apply our experience at the highest levels of professional baseball, our passion for seeing kids succeed, and knowledge of the sport to ensure the safe, fun, and guided improvement of the players who will dominate the diamond in the future.
Business Hours
November
Monday – Friday:
4pm – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday:
10am – 2pm
December
Monday – Friday:
4pm – 9pm
Saturday & Sunday:
9am – 2pm
January – May
Monday – Friday:
4pm – 11pm
Saturday & Sunday:
8am – 5pm
FAQ
How do I sign up for a Cage Rental or Private Lessons?
1. You can log onto our online scheduling service (coming soon), and book whatever time day day you would like (recommended).
2. Call our facility and we will book your cage time or lesson time much like a doctor’s office would. Ask for a certain day and time, and we will let you know what is available.
How young is too young to start private lessons?
Private lessons will introduce each player to the fundamentals of baseball or softball and can be useful for all children that are able to understand the instruction that is being taught. A common age to begin is age seven. This is the age when players begin to learn the game. It is important that they learn the correct techniques early in order to develop at a faster pace. This will also keep players from falling into bad habits that could become hard to break in the future.
Facility Floor Plan
For full-size click for PDF
