Each month we choose an athlete who has been training with us and shows consistent excellence in his or her sport.  Their hard work, determination and confidence in their athletic ability are all factors that help us choose an athlete worthy of the title of "Athlete of the Month."

January 2010 -- Athlete of the Month

Jim McKinnon III

Jim McKinnon III, 58, competed at the New York Yankees fantasy camp this past November. The camp was held in Tampa at the New York Yankees spring training facility. Jim had a batting average of .387, getting 12 hits in 31 at-bats, to go along with 4 doubles, 11 R.B.I. and 10 runs scored. Jim also pitched three innings, while striking out three. Jim’s coach was Ron Bloomberg, the first-ever D.H. in Major League Baseball. Other Yankee Greats at the camp included: Mickey Rivers, Roy White, Oscar Gamble, Chris Chambliss, Al Downing, Ken Griffey Sr., Homer Bush, Jesse Barfield, Phil Linz and Tommy John. Jim was also able to meet Reggie Jackson and Hank Steinbrenner.

The camp is open to anyone 30+ years old, and the average age is 42. Jim played eight 9-inning games in four days and a two-inning game vs. the Yankee Greats on the final day. Besides pitching, Jim played first base, second base, and right field. Jim had full access to the Yankees locker room and their training facilities for the entire week.

“I’d like to give Pete Asadourian and his training staff at Future Fitness a lot of credit for helping me get in shape and designing a workout plan geared towards playing baseball. I could not have done it without them. It was a dream come true to wear the Yankee uniform and to play baseball on George M. Steinbrenner Field.” Jim wore uniform #7 in honor of Mickey Mantle.

Jim recently retired from the State of Connecticut after 38 years of service to the Veterans Home and Hospital in Rocky Hill. He is currently the head softball coach at St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford. Jim lives with his wife, Joanne, in Newington and together they have four children, including twins Jimmy and Christine, 29, Jennie, 27, and Matthew, 23. He also has two son-in-laws and a two-year old granddaughter.