Always A Miner
The Journey of Creating Joy, Entertainment, and Legacy Through Professional Baseball
Published on 29. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
220 pages
979-8-9995605-0-6 (ISBN)
Description
The Southern Illinois Miners was an independent professional baseball team that attracted talent from all over the world, competing in a state-of-the-art stadium that was often full to bursting, hosting millions of visitors over the organization's existence.
At the helm of the endeavor were owners Jayne and John Simmons and manager Mike Pinto. From 2007 through 2021, their vision and commitment to excellence produced results no one thought possible.
When people experience an exceptional period of time, you often hear them say they only realized how meaningful it was in retrospect. That was not the case here. All involved knew how special it was to be creating magic in Southern Illinois surrounded by their chosen family.
The deep bonds of all of those involved remain to this day - and will hold strong for years to come; once a Miner, always a Miner, they say. This is their story.
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
417 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-9995605-0-6 (9798999560506)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
John Simmons believes the heart of any thriving community beats strongest when people take care of each other, families have places to gather and make memories together, and everyone can see a future filled with opportunity and hope. Growing up in Southern Illinois, John learned the value of hard work and community from his parents, who inspired him to pursue his education after he returned from serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army. But it was the early days of his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jayne, that planted the seeds for one of his life's biggest passions. As newlyweds living in Savannah, they would spend evenings at Sand Gnats baseball games for just a dollar admission, sharing popcorn and dreams in the historic stadium. Those magical summer nights, watching families enjoy America's pastime together, would stay with them forever. Years later, he and Jayne had an opportunity to bring that same magic home to Southern Illinois. In 2007, they brought professional baseball back to Marion after a 57-year absence because they remembered what it felt like to be part of something bigger than themselves. The Southern Illinois Miners became more than a baseball team. They became the heart of the community. For 15 years, Rent One Park was where three generations of families made memories together, where players from around the world found second homes with local host families, and where the entire region gathered to cheer, celebrate, and simply enjoy each other's company. The Miners became a model franchise not only by the success on the field with the championship in 2012 and the sixty players who advanced to Major League organizations. The Miners success was the way they brought people together. The Miners may have played their final game, but the community bonds forged over those 15 seasons remain strong. The Simmons family is guided by a simple philosophy: when you invest in people and places with love and intention, you create something that lasts far beyond any single project, season or generation. For John, the greatest victories aren't measured on scoreboards or balance sheets. They're found in the laughter of children at a baseball game, the pride of a family watching their hometown flourish, and the unshakeable belief that tomorrow will be better than today. John Simmons is the Founder and Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, AltonWorks, Alton Steel in Alton, Illinois and a loving husband, father and grandfather.