For many athletes, their final game marks the end of a lifelong passion. For Richie Kiernicki, husband of Marshall County REMC Marketing and Communications Manager Arianna Kiernicki, it turned out to be just the beginning of an unexpected new chapter.

After years away from competitive baseball, Richie has returned to the diamond through Boom Ball, an innovative touring baseball league that’s putting an entertaining twist on America’s pastime. His journey back to the game has been made possible by the support of those closest to him.

A New Kind of Baseball

Boom Ball is unlike traditional baseball. The fast-paced, six-inning game combines talented baseball and softball players with family-friendly entertainment designed to keep fans engaged from the first pitch to the final face-off in a home run derby. Every inning introduces new rules, challenges, or themed events, making each game a unique experience. The league currently features two touring teams — the Lucky Llamas and the Chaos Crew — which travel to ballparks across the country, bringing high-energy competition, trick plays, and fan interaction to every stop.

“It’s built for kids and families,” Arianna said. “Parents can enjoy the show knowing it’s family-friendly, while kids stay engaged the entire game.”

The entertainment extends beyond the action on the field. Before each game, fans can enjoy Boom Fest activities, and during a special intermission, players step into the stands to sign autographs, pose for photos, and visit with spectators.

Reviving a dream

For Richie, joining Boom Ball was a chance that reignited a dream he thought had ended years earlier.

“I got involved with Boom Ball in the classic ‘knowing a guy who knows a guy’ kind of situation,” he said. “I was very fortunate to have this incredible opportunity sort of fall into my lap.”

Baseball had been a defining part of Richie’s life growing up. He spent countless weekends traveling the Midwest for tournaments and continued playing through college at Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois. After college, however, his baseball career came to an end. He traded his cleats for “the real world”, working in HVAC and doing road maintenance for the State of Indiana.

Then came an unexpected phone call.

A friend involved with the new league reached out to see if Richie would be interested in joining Boom Ball. Although excited, he admitted he was hesitant after several years away from the game.

“It had been a long time since I played, and I was nervous if I could pick it up and perform at the level I was expected to,” Richie said. “But with the support of my wife and the rest of my family, I decided to take the leap.”

That leap has proven worthwhile.

“It’s given me the chance to play the game I love again, make an impact on kids and families who come to watch us play, and bring my family together throughout the season.”

Watching that dream come full circle has been especially meaningful for Arianna.

“We’ve known each other since fifth grade,” she said. “I always believed he would play professionally someday. Seeing him finally accomplish that dream has been incredible.”

She said Boom Ball has been the perfect fit for Richie — not only because it allows him to showcase his athletic ability, but because it also lets fans see his personality.

“I’m so proud of him for stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing this opportunity,” Arianna said. “Watching him grow from neighborhood leagues as a kid to playing in stadiums has been nothing short of magical.”

Ways to Support

As Boom Ball continues its inaugural season and expands its tour, Richie hopes fans will experience the excitement firsthand. The league has already announced another season, including a stop at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, Illinois, on July 10, 2027.

People can support Richie and Boom Ball by attending a game when the tour is nearby and by following Richie (@richiekrich on Instagram and @richiekiernicki on TikTok), Boom Ball (@boomballtour), and other Boom Ball players on social media.

For Richie, Boom Ball represents far more than another baseball season. It’s proof that sometimes dreams simply take a little longer to come true, and that it’s never too late to answer the call back to the game you love.