Mike Sopocy returns to the Spirits by way of Chicago, following his move to Texas in 2022. Mike moved to Little Elm, Texas after playing in multiple leagues and with as many as 5 teams at a time per season.
Sopocy is a current member of MSL Illinois Baseball League Hall of Fame and has played over 26 seasons with them since the age of 18. Sopocy is a versatile player with the capability of playing nearly any position on the field. He spent most of his years serving as a pitcher, playing center field or catching.
His experience includes playing all four years in High School in Schaumburg, Illinois. During his Junior season, Sopocy and his team finished second at state where he was named All-Conference. He went on to play more baseball in college at SIU Carbondale (Southern Illinois Salukis) and later transferred to Harper Junior College in Palatine, Illinois where he studied Elementary Education/Psychology, and Law Enforcement.
Mike spent over 25 years working for the government in management and collections and during his tenure in the government sector, he played semi-pro baseball with the Addison Braves from ages 21 to 35 spending time as a pitcher and in the outfield. He now works full time as a sports official. During the spring and summer he umpires for baseball and in the fall he serves as a football referee.
Sopocy loves working outdoors. He was born in Elk Grove, Illinois and spent a few few years growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He later moved to Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg, Illinois where lived for the next 45 years. He’s friends, teammates, an opponents know him for being a 100% gamer at all times. Mike respects the game, and loves to play. He’s hoping to play as long as he’s physically able to.
Sopocy helped the Spirits on every squad available during the 2022 campaign. Mike hit .364 in just 4 games with the Spirits (40+) squad in 2022, but will join the full time roster in 2023. For the Spirits (45+) squad, Sopocy hit .354, finishing third with 17 hits that included a double and a triple. Mike finished with 15 runs scored and tied for first with 18 runs batted in, also finishing second on the team with 10 walks. For the (50+) squad, Sopocy hit .298, tied for fifth with 14 hits including a pair of doubles, finishing second with 15 runs scored, and leading the team with 15 runs batted in. He also tied for the team lead in walks with 9 free trips to first.
Mike turned 50 in May 2022, and has been married 11 years to his wife, Julie, his #1 fan, in September, 2022. Mike feels lucky to have her support to continue playing the game he loves so much. Mike also has 3 stepchildren. The oldest, Emma, is recently married and now lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His middle child, Sam, is an Airman for the US Air Force, and is currently active duty in Kuwait. Mike sends him prayers every day, and is beyond proud of him as he is being American. Sopocy’s youngest, Nate, lives with with him in Little Elm, and he is an adult with autism. He and Julie strive to help others understand the daily battles and victories people with autism have. Mike’s recent relocation to Texas sees him joining both his parents, who are now retired in Allen, along with his sister Chris, and brother John, who resides in Murphy, Texas. He’s excited about the whole Sopocy family being back together again.
Alongside the Texas weather, baseball, bass fishing, which is his second favorite hobby, hanging with friends and family is what he’s all about. Mike is excited about being a member of Dallas Spirits family, and the team looks forward to his future contributions.
Nickname: “Uek (Bob Uecker),” “Snoop,” “Razor,” “Chi-Town”
(NOTE: Choose 2023 Season Under League After Choosing Link Below)
Spirits (40+) Individual Stats
Spirits (42+) Individual Stats
Spirits (50+) Individual Stats
Spirits (40+) Fall Individual Stats
Spirits (50+) Fall Individual Stats
