John Wagle believes in taking his lunch pail and putting on his hardhat everyday he goes to work in the game of baseball.

That's why the former North Park graduate assistant coach turned pro ball player has been so successful thus far in his playing career.

“I am not sure there is any magic potion, workout routine or mentality because everyone is different and baseball is a crazy game and business,” Wagle said. “But I do think there needs to be a nice mix of work and play.  Professional baseball is a great experience, but can be a grind, and still simply having fun with baseball makes succeeding at any level much more possible.”

Wagle (C'2011) became the first Illinois native player to be signed by the new Schaumburg Boomers baseball club, and is enjoying his new role in the next chapter of professional baseball in the Northwest suburbs.

“It was a great honor to be the first Illinois player signed to the team.  (Boomers Manager) Jamie (Bennett) has a track record for success and is a very high character person, so getting involved with him and the others in this organization is a real privilege for me,” Wagle said.  “It is exciting to be a part of a new organization, but there is a rich tradition in Schaumburg, also, that I and this team have to keep going for the fans in town.”

Wagle came to North Park after a successful playing career at College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin rival Augustana College where he was a three-time All-CCIW selection as well as a two-time American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region selection. As a graduate assistant for the Vikings, Wagle helped Coach Luke Johnson lead the team to their first conference title in 21 years as NP finished with a 30-12 season, and a 15-6 mark in the CCIW in 2011.

“Luke is one of those people that gets the best out of everyone, including members of his coaching staff,” Wagle said. “I learned so much about coaching, playing, and just living my life the right way from the two years I spent with him. He is a big part of the person I have become because of the values he instills in everyone that works for him.  Bottom line is that he is one of the great people in my life.”

Which has definitely helped Wagle in his short, but promising continued career where he's played for the San Angelo Colts, the Rockford Riverhawks, the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks, the Joliet Slammers and now the Boomers.

“I've been through a whole lot in my short pro career, and just dealing with adversity can be an extremely challenging thing to do,” Wagle said.  “Dealing with all that has been thrown at me has also been the most rewarding thing of my professional career, though.  I am a better person for everything that has happened and grateful for the experiences I have had, both good and bad.” 

Wagle became the sixth member of the Schaumburg Boomers when he was signed on Dec. 15. He will start Spring Training in early May as a member of the team's infield.

“I expect to help the team win and have a great time doing this.  I want to always be a great person, teammate, and worker, which is all I can control,” Wagle said. “Everything else just kind of falls in place sometimes and does not some other times. That's baseball.  I just want to enjoy playing and help bring success to Schaumburg and those involved with the organization.”