As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had an inspiring conversation with Tyler Jacobs about his baseball journey at the Park District.

It’s a tale as old as – well, baseball. And it’s part of how connections are made, and how a love of the game is passed from coaches to players, around the bases and all the way home.

Tyler Jacobs grew up in Highland Park. He’s what we fondly call a Park District kid. His stories are among the ones we love because they come full circle, and are full of joy all the way.

“Playing baseball at the Park District was always my favorite thing.” You can hear the smile in his voice. “I played travel baseball from the time I was 9 years old,” (before that, he played Baker Ball.*) “and because I lived about a minute from Danny Cunniff Park I was hitting baseballs there almost every day with my dad. I also skated some at Centennial Ice Arena.” That’s how kids get connected to the Park District and make lifelong friends. Through parks and programs. And coaches.

“I had a bunch of great coaches when I was playing baseball, but one named Chris took an interest in our team and had a really big influence on me. I’m still in touch with him today and we talk every once in a while.” Lifelong connections get built when you belong to a team. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of at the Park District. “Chris really cared about us” Tyler continued. “He motivated us. He wanted us to be better players—but also better kids, which was super cool. Seeing how dedicated he was made me want to be a coach.” There it is. That’s how it happens. “I really felt like I belonged to something bigger.” That’s the feeling we want you to have when you’re at the Park District.

The game stayed important. “I played baseball all the way through varsity in high school.” Along the way, Tyler the player became Tyler the camp counselor, and, of course, Tyler the coach. “I pretty much worked everything at the Park District — flag football, Jr. Varsity Sports Camp, Varsity Camp — I touched it all.” Is he the new Chris to this generation of Park District kids? “I try to be.” Take it from us…he is. 

“Of course I love baseball, but my favorite part of coaching is demonstrating a strong work ethic and being a role model for the players.” But it’s more important than that. “I try to make them better humans, as well.” That’s why you want Tyler coaching your kids.

The team Tyler is coaching for us now is Highland Park 13U White. Are these young players as passionate about the game as you were? “These kids are always excited to be on the field. They’re 13 years old and you never see them on a phone.” (?!) “I stressed from day one that we’re going to spend a lot of time together, so when we’re on the field we’re a team and have a common goal. They get it.” Of course they do, coach. It’s who you are. 

We’re proud to say that your Park District is where the next Tyler-level players can be found. In the parks, on the diamonds, learning and growing. Becoming better humans.

Summer’s in full swing here, and you can find all of our art facilities and programs 24/7 on our website. Until next time… See you around the parks.

*You can read about Coach Baker and the impact of Baker Ball on kids in this story.