Michael Marsh is an editorial assistant for the Chicago Reader. His work has appeared in the Reader, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Illinois Chess Bulletin, Rockford Review, and the South Carolina Review. The lifelong Chicagoan has gotten awards from the Chicago Association of Black Journalists, Chess Journalists of America, and the Ozark Writers League.

"Hut!" Greg called out twenty minutes before the first bell at
Dixon High School. He stood in Coach Marconi’s office in the gym. A
smile decorated his smooth, copper face. A blue sweater and gray
corduroy slacks hung loosely on his tall frame. Greg’s right hand
gripped a football. He pretended to fire perfect spir... continue reading

"You wanna play on my flag football team?"A beefy catcher made me the offer while our softball team chugged $1 domestic beers at Jackhammer, a bar on Chicago’s far north side. It was mid-September 2003, and we were hanging out in the rear garden. The team went there after our Thursday-night games because the place off... continue reading