Marcus Nettles is a former professional baseball player and current Illinois State Trooper who resides in the Chicago land area.  Marcus was raised in a two parent house hold with his older sibling.  His mother, is a retired educator from the Board of Education (CPS), and his father, is a retired Cook County law enforcement official.    

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Marcus was introduced to baseball by his father at the age of 3. He started his baseball career with South Side Little League before transitioning to Jackie Robinson West at the age of 8.  After much success with Jackie Robinson West, Marcus was selected to represent his country with the USA Junior Pan Am Olympic team. In 1993, he earned a bronze medal, and in 1995, he earned a gold medal along with MVP outfield honors.  

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Marcus was a High School All State and All American selection and was recognized as one of the top 50 players in the country by Baseball America.  After playing four years of varsity baseball at Whitney Young high school,  Marcus was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball Amateur draft, but opted to continue his education at the University of Miami-Fl.  At the University of Miami-FL, Marcus made an immediate impact and was part of the 1999 and 2001 NCAA College World Series National Championship teams. His game changing speed, earned him an opportunity to play at the next left when the San Diego Padres selected him in the 11th round of the 2001 MLB draft.  

Marcus had a nine year career (peaked at Triple-A) and played in Mexico, Canada, and in various Independent Leagues. 

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At the end of his baseball career, Marcus transitioned to the Illinois State Police to serve his community.  In 2017, Marcus coordinated the Austin Youth Police Baseball League with the assistance of the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Police Department.  The Austin Youth Police Baseball League led to the fruition of The Marcus Nettles Project which has laid a footprint in high crime areas as a violent reduction, health and wellness, and community policing program.  

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