After more than 11 years of pitching outside in my parents’ backyard in Ballwin—truly the most picturesque scene for anyone who loves the game of softball—I’m devastated to concede that the neighborhood HOA has finally won. They have accomplished what they’ve been trying to do for the past 7 years: stop me from using my own backyard to give young girls in our community pitching lessons.

They announced last Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, that after 19 months of keeping an election open and harvesting enough ballots, they have succeeded in getting two-thirds of the neighborhood to pass indentures that I believe most neighbors don’t fully understand the ramifications of. Ultimately, they have decided that girls’ softball lessons are a nuisance, and they will fine me an undisclosed amount if I continue.

They have put “teeth” into the indentures, just as they set out to do. I was threatened by one trustee when this was first introduced two years ago—he said he would fine me so heavily that he would take my parents’ home, my father’s Social Security, and my wages.

I now have a decision to make, and I need your help.

For the last seven years, lawyers have come forward pro bono to help me with advice and letters of correspondence. I can’t ask an attorney to take on this challenge for free any longer.

My parents want to question the integrity of the voting procedures—specifically, holding the vote open until they won—and the targeted and unlawful implementation used to achieve their desired outcome.

I’ve been advised to set up a GoFundMe to continue the fight against the HOA in order to keep providing this wholesome, character-building activity at the home my parents have lived in for over 47 years. If it raises enough to continue fighting for a safe place for these girls to practice, I’ll be right there to see it through. If there is not enough interest, then that’s confirmation that I need to move on.

With a grateful and heavy heart, here is the GoFundMe:

I’ve always felt like this was a fight of good versus evil. It has been my driving force to press forward, along with watching how much my parents and these girls enjoy this space. I know God will provide for us either way, but sometimes He calls us to take down our Goliath. I’m willing to keep fighting, but ultimately your support will determine my path.