The batting cages at Play It Again Sports in Forest Park, Illinois, have been officially dedicated to the memory of Eddie Sitzman, a cherished employee and community member who passed away in July 2022 at the age of 21. The dedication ceremony took place on February 25, 2026, honoring Sitzman’s contributions to the store and the local community.
Eddie Sitzman worked at Play It Again Sports for over four years, where he developed a passion for baseball and became an integral part of the store’s culture. According to Erich Krumrei, the owner of Play It Again Sports, the journey of bringing Sitzman on board was initially challenging due to his Down syndrome, but it ultimately led to a rewarding relationship. Krumrei noted, “We stopped trying to cater to his disability and catered to the person.”
As time passed, Sitzman established a routine, proving to be reliable and uplifting to both colleagues and customers. Krumrei described the loss of Sitzman as significant, stating, “It was a huge, huge loss, not just for the business, but for all of us who work here, losing a friend and a colleague like that.”
The dedication features Sitzman’s name prominently displayed on the walls of the batting cages, alongside a framed jersey bearing Michael Jordan‘s number. This jersey also includes a quote from Sitzman: “Michael Jordan played one sport. I played them all.” His family recalls this quote fondly, as it was a reflection of his competitive spirit and love for various sports.
Sitzman was a remarkable athlete, having won 59 Special Olympics medals in events ranging from track and field to basketball and powerlifting. His father, Mark Sitzman, remarked at the dedication that Eddie was not only a talented athlete but also a person who thrived on social connections. “He had a little group in every one of those communities. He just had a way of connecting with people,” he said.
Eddie was actively involved in the Community Integration Transition Education (CITE) program, which serves young adults with disabilities. Through CITE, he volunteered at various local organizations, including the Oak Park Fire Department and the Wonder Works Children’s Museum. His positive demeanor and ability to bond with others helped him fit seamlessly into the community. Firefighter Nathan Holdman expressed his admiration, stating, “He fell right into our camaraderie. He was one of us.”
Looking ahead, Eddie had aspirations of studying child development at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. He had been awarded a prestigious scholarship from Ruby Rainbow for his dedication to the community. Krumrei had even promised Sitzman a managerial position upon his graduation, highlighting his potential for growth within the business.
Mark Sitzman emphasized the importance of the support his son received, saying, “For you to offer him the opportunity to be here, to give him that community and sense of belonging, you gave him dignity, and you gave us a sense that there’s hope for him for the rest of his life.”
The dedication ceremony brought together approximately two dozen attendees, including family members, friends, and community supporters. Phil Carmody, president of the nonprofit Opportunity Knocks, praised the inclusive environment fostered by Krumrei and his team. “The way Erich and his crew embraced [Eddie] and blended him in with their culture here speaks to their quality of care,” he stated.
Eddie Sitzman’s legacy continues to inspire those who knew him. His positive impact on the community and his ability to connect with others serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and understanding. As Krumrei reflected on his time with Eddie, he noted the lessons learned about working alongside individuals with disabilities and the value they bring to the workplace.
In remembering Eddie, his friends and family have vowed to keep his spirit alive, celebrating his achievements and the joy he brought to those around him.
