2024 MSBL World Series Hall of Fame Inductee: Dan Gooris, Chicago North MSBL
By Steve LaMontia, Director of Communications
Daniel Gooris is a familiar face in Arizona during the MSBL World Series and someone I am thrilled to have called a teammate and a manager during my various stints with the Chicago Fire. A true gentleman and a baseball mind, this 74-year-old, who resides in Mettawa, Illinois, has been a staple in the Chicago North MSBL since 1991, where he currently plays for the 65-over Athletics, and has been playing in the MSBL World Series since 1992.
Because of his dedication and attention to baseball detail, MSBL Founder and President Steve Sigler has inducted Dan into the 2024 class of the MSBL World Series Hall of Fame.
“This award validates all of my work during the off season, getting money from players, purchasing uniforms, and more importantly, recruiting the right player/s for our Fire teams,” stated Gooris. “I was fortunate enough to take over the Chicago Fire team from Bart Zeller and continue to retain and recruit players who adhere to Bart’s simple baseball principles.”
Dan isn’t just a guy who likes being in charge and filling out lineup cards. His baseball skills are well-honed.
“I played high school, legion, and semi pro (Skokie Indians and Chicago Hornets) while I was in college and for two years after, before I started my police career. In college I was a NAIA All American in 1971, while leading the conference in hitting. I was inducted into the North Park University Hall of Fame in 1997 for Football and Baseball. I never played pro ball, but had tryouts with the Cubs and Pirates.”
We asked Dan specifically about his World Series resume.
“My first World Series was in 1992 and I have played every year since. My first ring was in 2009 with the National Pastime, and have won five additional rings since, with the Windy City and Fire teams. I have been with the same great group of guys since 2008, but different team names. I also played in two Memorial Tournaments in Las Vegas and two Father/Son Tournaments. This year I’ll be playing with the Chicago Fire in the 70s and 73s.”
What is the toughest part of running a team in the World Series?
“One of the hardest things about running a team is having to talk to one of your players who is crying on the phone when he has to tell you he just can’t play anymore because of an injury or the pain is just too much. Or the player who can’t find someone to care for his wife for the week he is in Arizona. It just wears you down sometimes.”
Dan was the Chief of Police in Lincolnwood, Illinois and after he retired, he became the Director of Campus Safety at his alma mater, North Park University. Like most police and firefighters, his side job was coaching. He coached baseball and football at the local high school for four years and then was the head softball coach at North Park University for 18 years. As Dan said, “It took a lot of midnight shifts in order to make the games!”
“I’ve been a catcher since I was eight years old, but after working construction during the summer while in high school and college for my father, and playing high school and college football and baseball, the meter finally ran out and I had to have my right throwing shoulder replaced about 14 years ago.
After the surgery I had to play first base or catch when my team was up or down big, where I knew no one would be stealing. In our Chicago North 65 league, there is no stealing with similar rules as we have in the 70 Division at the World Series, so I am back sharing the catching duties and still playing a little first. It’s tough getting old!”
Just like in the movies, Dan married his college sweetheart, who played volleyball at North Park. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have two children and six grandchildren, while his daughter played basketball and softball at North Park and is in their Athletic Hall of Fame.
His son pitched at Creighton University in Omaha. He was an eighth-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds, but elected to return to school for his senior year. However, after foregoing his selection by the Reds, he was selected by San Diego and rose to AA ball.
Dan also boasts three young granddaughters, ages 5, 8, and 10, and three grandsons, the youngest a 2-time state qualifier in gymnastics, and the middle one plays college football, while the oldest plays college baseball. It is obvious that the family’s athletic acorn didn’t fall far from the tree!
Is there a special World Series moment that sticks out?
“The one I will always remember was my first ring in 2009. I went 17 years, sightseeing on Fridays instead of playing in the playoffs.”
After talking about Dan’s achievements and experiences, we started discussing individuals who have impacted Dan’s World Series career over the decades and who is at the top of the list. His answer came swiftly and without hesitation.
“There is one man who I have played with and for since 2009 and that is Bart Zeller. Through his leadership and knowledge of the game of baseball, I have become a better coach and player. You have to respect the game, your opponent, and know your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Several years ago, we honored Bart with a ‘Z29’ patch on all of our Chicago Fire jerseys for the impact he has had on all of our baseball lives.”
Final thoughts?
Not a day goes by when I run into someone my age or younger who is out of shape and act like they ‘have let the old man in.’ I have been blessed to have the ability to still be playing the game of baseball, even if my son and grandkids grin and smile when they watch me play, but also to have lifelong baseball friends, that make you want to stay healthy and in shape so you can still share their friendship.”