Eugene Geno Forti
Eugene Geno Forti’s baseball journey was encouraged by his Parents Irene and Mickey Forti (deceased). He is survived by his Son Brendan and Daughters Maddison and Daniella Forti. He was supported and empowered by his siblings Virginia Perez, Joann Valenzuela, Mike Forti, Betsy Acuña, Dino Forti, Lisa Rocha, Rosann Schultz, Mark Forti, Irene Barnes and Eugene.
Youth baseball at the Sportspark was the genesis of his promising baseball career. Everything started to make sense and click when he played his 13 and 14 baseball years of age with the Big Red Machine.
The upward trend continued with 4 years of Varsity Baseball at Del Valle High School from 1993 to 1996. He was one of the team leaders helping the team earn trips to the High School playoffs. He pitched the deciding game of the Bi-District playoffs versus Andress High School as a Freshman. He earned All District honors from his sophomore, junior and senior years of play. His pitching garnered him All City honors his junior and senior years. His senior year was topped when he earned All State Honorable Mention honors as a Pitcher.
His pitching skills earned him to be drafted by the Chicago White Sox one month after graduation. He played with the White Sox in the Gulf Coast League. The next 3 years of professional play saw him play in the Northeast League. His career was cut short when he was hit in the head with a line drive and the injury effectively ended his time in professional baseball.
His life journey ended too soon in 2024 but his engaging spirit and the example he set for those who dream of playing professional baseball endures.
