From the time he was young, Rick Petricca remembers playing baseball in Arlington Heights. He went on to play at Prospect High School and with the club team at Indiana University. Now, he says, he’s having the time of his life, as a member of the newest team in the “sportstainment” style baseball, the Chicago Snowballs.
Rick Petricca warms up before the game. (Photos by Stefanie O’Donnell)
“Honestly, I’ve had as much fun playing for the Snowballs as I’ve had at any point in my baseball career,” Petricca says.
Petricca brought not only his baseball skills to the team but he also brought his experience performing in show choir at Prospect with him, which helped.
“You never know what’s going to happen,” Petricca says. “One minute you’re watching a great play, and the next minute a player is dancing, singing, interacting with fans, or pulling off something completely unexpected. It feels more like a show than a game, and I think that’s what keeps people engaged.”
The team burst onto the scene this year and players pack just as much entertainment into their games as the Bananas.
Catch their next game Saturday, June 6 at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, home of the Kane County Cougars. Doors open at 5 p.m., with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
One big factor that sets the Snowballs apart is that it is co-ed, with both male and female athletes performing, competing, and entertaining together.
“This isn’t traditional baseball — it’s a live sports entertainment experience designed to keep fans laughing, cheering and engaged from first pitch to final out,” says Cherie Travis, team founder. “We don’t just play baseball, we put on a show.”
Consider some of their antics:
- Trick plays and back flips
- Dancing umpires and choreographed routines
- Interactive games with fans
- Music and live entertainment throughout the game
- On-field comedy and surprises
- A fast-paced, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages
Petricca says the women on the team absolutely belong on the field as they bring a different energy, skill set, and perspective to the game. He points to the team’s star pitcher, Laila Summers, who keeps batters off guard.
Jaxson O’Donnell enjoys meeting players before the game.
“She throws the baseball underhand, using her softball form,” Petricca says. “I’ve never seen this done before and our opponent, the Rocket Squirrels, obviously hadn’t either because they all struggled to hit against her.
“I’m just glad she’s on my team,” he adds, “so I don’t have to face her!”
Every player has a special walk-up song. Petricca’s is Bet on It, from High School Musical 2, which has somehow become one of the fan favorites.
“I fully commit to the performance — there’s dancing, lip syncing and even bat choreography,” he says. “The funny part is that I spend my weekdays in meetings and conference rooms, and then on weekends I’m performing a High School Musical routine in front of a baseball crowd. That’s kind of the perfect example of what the Snowballs are all about.”
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