In Nov. 15 IssueRussell County NewsJohn Carl Phelps has been playing a game for a living since 1990.
And "JC" as he is known in the world of pro-softball, has been playing it well enough to rack up the awards year after year. He has at least four championship records, numerous all-star awards, honors and titles he wouldn't go into.
"You can just say I've won several awards," Phelps said. "It kind of sounds like I'm bragging if you start listing them all."
But this year he did bring home what he said he considers the biggest honor yet, the Offensive Player of the Year award.
He earned that with .782 on base percentage and 81 home runs.
This year he returns to his corporate relationship with Louisville Slugger, as one of their testers and spokesmen.
He'll be returning to the diamond in the spring as well, but he'll also be taking part in hitting demonstrations and other promotional events for the league and the manufacturer.
His percentages earned him a spot on the 2009 World Softball League Statium Power Tour. That is one of the promotional competitions that he'll be participating in, but in this one he'll be hitting in Major League Baseball stadiums and competing with the other "big ball" hitters for big money and recognition.
But then promoting and competing is what Phelps does in the off season as well.
"I'm a merchandising representative," Phelps said. He sets up product displays and helps stores sell the products of the companies he works for.
Phelps said he'll continue to play the game as long as he is able to keep up his rigorous training routine at the gym and make a good showing as he plays in the league.
Phelps is the son of Judy and the late John Phelps. He is the father of Elizabeth and Jacob Phelps and step father to Lyndsey, Samantha and Chris Grider. He is married to Myra Phelps.
