Always A Miner

By:   John Simmons, Mike Pinto
Imprint:   Rex Productions, LLC.
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 140mm,  Spine: 15mm
Weight:   349g
ISBN:   9798999560506
Pages:   220
Publication Date:   29 July 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

John Simmons believes the heart of any thriving community beats strongest when people take care of each other, families have places to gather and make memories together, and everyone can see a future filled with opportunity and hope. Growing up in Southern Illinois, John learned the value of hard work and community from his parents, who inspired him to pursue his education after he returned from serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army. But it was the early days of his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jayne, that planted the seeds for one of his life's biggest passions. As newlyweds living in Savannah, they would spend evenings at Sand Gnats baseball games for just a dollar admission, sharing popcorn and dreams in the historic stadium. Those magical summer nights, watching families enjoy America's pastime together, would stay with them forever. Years later, he and Jayne had an opportunity to bring that same magic home to Southern Illinois. In 2007, they brought professional baseball back to Marion after a 57-year absence because they remembered what it felt like to be part of something bigger than themselves. The Southern Illinois Miners became more than a baseball team. They became the heart of the community. For 15 years, Rent One Park was where three generations of families made memories together, where players from around the world found second homes with local host families, and where the entire region gathered to cheer, celebrate, and simply enjoy each other's company. The Miners became a model franchise not only by the success on the field with the championship in 2012 and the sixty players who advanced to Major League organizations. The Miners success was the way they brought people together. The Miners may have played their final game, but the community bonds forged over those 15 seasons remain strong. The Simmons family is guided by a simple philosophy: when you invest in people and places with love and intention, you create something that lasts far beyond any single project, season or generation. For John, the greatest victories aren't measured on scoreboards or balance sheets. They're found in the laughter of children at a baseball game, the pride of a family watching their hometown flourish, and the unshakeable belief that tomorrow will be better than today. John Simmons is the Founder and Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, AltonWorks, Alton Steel in Alton, Illinois and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mike Pinto is a veteran baseball manager whose transformative leadership has left an indelible mark on independent league professional baseball. A proud Chicagoan, Pinto began his professional coaching career in 2002 with Joliet's JackHammers and took on his first managerial role with the Sioux Falls Canaries in 2005, setting the stage for a remarkable career. In 2007, Pinto became the inaugural manager of the Southern Illinois Miners, where he shaped the franchise into a consistent powerhouse. He quickly earned a reputation for discipline, culture building, and player development. Over 14 seasons, he compiled a Frontier League-record 770 wins, guiding the Miners to 13 winning seasons, four division titles, seven playoff appearances, and a league championship. Under his leadership, five pitchers earned Frontier League Pitcher of the Year honors, along with an MVP, a Rookie of the Year, and 60 players who signed affiliated contracts - including five who reached Major League rosters. In 2015, Pinto expanded his role, serving as both Manager and Chief Operating Officer, where he applied a strategic, people-focused, customer experience approach informed by his training at the Disney Institute. Widely regarded as an authority on team culture, Pinto is a sought-after keynote speaker, presenting to Fortune 500 companies and national conventions, sharing insights that bridge sports, leadership, and organizational culture. In 2024, Pinto returned to his roots as manager of the Joliet Slammers, bringing his championship pedigree and community-driven mindset back to where his professional journey began. Off the field, Mike is a devoted family man - husband to Lynne for 46 years, father to sons Michael IV and Stephen, and proud grandfather to Michael V and Audrianna. A lifelong drummer, he leads San Antonio Transit, a Chicago tribute band honored as ""Best Tribute Band"" in San Antonio, Texas, in both 2024 and 2025. He's also an accomplished chef, known for preparing memorable meals for family, friends, and team gatherings alike.

Reviews for Always A Miner: The Journey of Creating Joy, Entertainment, and Legacy Through Professional Baseball