Numbers are a language all of their own. They tell stories, connect us to moments, help us categorize our experiences. For Maureen Morris and her fans, coaches, and teammates, 54 is a number that will forever mean one thing. Maureen Morris pitched a perfect game – the only perfect game in the last 35 years of NCHS Softball – in the IHSA Regional opener at home against Oswego on May 25, 1989. She went on to pitch a staggering 50 consecutive shutout innings in the 1989 IHSA tournament. Including her final four innings of the regular season, her streak of 54 consecutive shutout innings remains an untouchable record for Naperville Central softball. That incredible achievement is just one of many remarkable moments and accomplishments throughout Morris’s career as a Redskin varsity pitcher. Recognized as an All-Conference selection and Most Valuable Player three times, she was named the Chicago Tribune’s Player of the Week and earned 2nd Team All-State honors during her senior season. Her 1989 pitching record of 30-3 was one win shy of the 31-win state record at the time. “I loved every minute I played on the Naperville Central softball team,” Morris said. “As a freshman on a varsity team, it can be intimidating, but all the girls were warm and welcoming. I remember the fun bus rides and the team sleepovers and having to leave our senior picnic early so we could rake the fields prior to a game because it had rained. But it was all worth it. We loved the game of softball and just wanted to get on that field and play.” For all of her individual achievements, Morris celebrates most her team’s 2nd place finish in the 1989 IHSA State Tournament. Head coach Andy Nussbaum remembers that state experience well, sharing, “In the semi-final game at the state tournament in 1989, Maureen dueled sophomore Tina Zuccolo, who would lead Thornwood to consecutive state championships in 1990 and 1991, beating her by a score of 4-2. Maureen also had an RBI double as the cleanup hitter to score the final run in the decisive four-run third inning. Naperville Central was defeated by Belleville East in the state championship game 2-0. Maureen was, deservedly, named to the All-Tournament team at the state tournament.”That state loss still stings, as losses tend to do for those who love a game passionately. And yet the warm memories that surround that special time – athletic trainer Bill Hughes acting as driver and DJ for the team as they danced and sang their way to the state tournament, the caravan of fans travelling to watch them play – outshine the heartache. Morris’s love of softball and the high school experience extended to all things Naperville Central. “I could write a book on all my favorite non-athletic memories at Naperville Central,” she laughed. “I enjoyed every minute. I was extremely lucky to have such a close-knit class. We would meet at McDonald’s at Market Meadows on the weekends, have late night drive-through runs at Taco Bell. Our class started the Senior Assembly, the senior ‘Assassin’ game, and a senior scavenger hunt. Our class was always doing things together!”The fierce loyalty and fun-loving connections with her classmates mirrored Morris’s home life. Morris credits her mom as being an instrumental coach in her softball career and life story. “My mother was always my biggest fan. She never missed a game, drove me to every practice, every travel game and every pitching lesson,” she said. Morris’s mom- and her best friend Kim Bunjer’s dad- formed the first fastpitch softball team in Naperville, coaching their daughters for two years. It was in this league that Morris moved from short stop to pitcher, altering the trajectory of her softball career forever. Morris points further to the influence of William Redmer, her high school pitching and travel softball coach, Nussbaum, and Rick Bertagnolli, her college coach, praising each for their high expectations, patient coaching, faith in her talents, and commitment. After high school, Morris attended Wabash Valley Junior College where she was an All-American pitcher. Under Bertagnolli’s strict tutelage, she carved out an overall pitching record of 57-12 and set 17 school records. As a sophomore, Morris pitched every inning of every game, leading her team to both a Conference and Sectional title, as well as a 2nd place Regional finish. Morris followed Bertagnolli to the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg where she again was an All-American pitcher. In her two years, she continued to set records, including Lowest Earned Run Average (her .83 ERA was the 13th best in NCAA Division II) Most Wins, Most Saves, and Most Complete Games. Her dynamic style of play earned her recognition as the Peach Belt Athletic Conference’s Softball Player of the Year for the ‘91/’92 season. She made the NSCA’s All-South Region First Team and the All-PAC tournament team, all while leading her team to their 1st ever Peach Belt Athletic Conference Title. Not ready to put her softball days behind her, after graduation Morris worked under Bertagnolli as the pitching coach for California University of Pennsylvania for two years. In 1995, she took over as Head Camp coordinator, Senior Editor and Video Personality for Women’s Fast Pitch World Magazine under Redmer, travelling around the United States, hosting softball camps and clinics with local high schools, colleges and community teams. She participated in the Pittsburg All-Star camp with former Olympic softball players Michele Smith, Dionna Harris, and Dani Tyler, covered the women’s softball team for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, wrote articles, and developed and starred in softball instructional videos that were sold on TV. Needless to say, her heart and talent were on full display for all who were fortunate enough to learn from her energy, passion, and example. Morris’s coaching days continued as a mom herself. Taking a page from her own mother’s book, she eagerly dove into the world of her own children’s athletic stories, fueled by the enthusiastic support of her husband of 20 years, Don Lein. From 2009-2013, she was head coach and assistant coach for the Naperville Diamonds, her daughter Jessica’s team. From 2013-2017 she was assistant coach for the 14U Downers Grove Rebels Girls Fastpitch team and assistant and head coach for the 16U ESP Girls Fastpitch College showcase team. She was also assistant coach for son Ryan’s 12U White Sox baseball team. Beyond the diamond, Morris has been a Loan Officer for 24 years, running her own business while finding great joy in helping hundreds of families obtain financing to purchase their dream homes, refinance, or renovate their homes. Morris the businesswoman is much like the Morris the pitcher: highly committed to bringing her very best to her team. Morris’s story features so many highlights: special people, special places, and special moments. Those who love her can tell the stories, share the laughter, and relive the memories. There’s a power in the words they use. And yet the numbers remain magic. For a 1989 Redskin pitcher wearing a #15 jersey, 54 remains the most magical number of all.