NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME Welcomes… DaMarcus Beasley!!
Unscripted
(Commentary) By Keith Edmonds
Ink Spot Contributing Writer
“As a player, he was Gumby, he was fearless and couldn’t be broken.” ~ Former U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bruce Arena (Taken from USSoccer.com in 2019)
DaMarcus Beasley, the talented lefty soccer player from right here in the Summit City, had his outstanding career sealed with approval on May 6th, 2023, when he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Beasley played for South Side High School for 2 years before moving to Florida and competing for IMG Academy where his amazing career soared to unprecedented heights! He then became a professional and took his talents to play for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. Beasley, who has played soccer for over 20 years and has been awarded numerous times for individual awards, had over thirty family and friends in attendance for this historic day. “It was special,” Beasley said. For me, this honor was not about individual accomplishments or accolades that happened throughout my career, but it was more about the journey with my family and the years of support that they have given me, and that’s what makes it all special.”
A defender and midfielder, Beasley made 126 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team between 2001 and 2017 and was the first American man to play in four World Cups. He played eleven seasons in Major League Soccer, with one Best XI selection and two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles. Beasley was known as a player that could be counted on to bring his best to each match and understood the importance of his role(s) on our United States teams. “He had instincts that you couldn’t teach, and you knew what you were going to get from him which set him apart from other players” ~ (Carlos Bocanegra former Chicago Fire player and roommate). At an early age Beasley and his brother (Jamar) played soccer because their father wanted them to run around while growing up here in Fort Wayne. Both became professional players as Jamar enjoyed an 18-year career, competing in MLS, in the USL, with the U.S. National Futsal team and in several indoor soccer leagues and DaMarcus joined U.S. Soccer’s Under-17 residency program in preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Australia in 1999 and in that same year at 16 years and 10 months of age Beasley was the youngest player to sign with Major League Soccer at that time. What I found so interesting to read in my research on this piece is that Beasley is widely regarded as “cool under pressure” and a “natural leader” which are attributes not given to many athletes at such a youthful age.
After achieving so much success (along with fellow HOF Landon Donovan) Beasley retired (at least two times) but kept getting called back to play. In 2017 At the age of 35 Beasley was asked once again by his coaches to return to the field of play, (Hexagonal) and became the first USMNT player to appear in qualifiers for five different World Cups finally retiring (for good) in 2019.
So, what does an athlete that has accomplished so much for his country do when the cleats are hung up? You give it back of course! Beasley, now 40, has not gone too far away from the game — or his hometown, for that matter. In October 2020, he became part of the Fort Wayne FC ownership group, where he serves as sports operations director for USL League Two club. He consistently gives of his time and talents to help grow the game of soccer which is not easy in a state where BASKETBALL is KING!
“Being involved with a group to bring professional soccer to my hometown is truly a dream come true,” Beasley said. “I’m extremely excited to get started with this new challenge and to work side by side with the Fort Wayne community.” DaMarcus, you have made our city proud of you and your tremendous accomplishments. You have taken the gift that was given to you and multiplied it many times over. We are proud of you and your family and look forward to seeing your continued success as you grow this great game and the young people that come under your tutelage right here at home. Job well done!
DaMarcus Beasley QUICK FACTS:
3-time U.S. Open Cup champion (2000, 2003, 2018)
Supporters' Shield winner (2003)
2-time Eredivisie champion
KNVB Cup champion (2004-05)
2-time Scottish Premier League champion
2-time Scottish Cup champion
4-time Gold Cup champion (2002, 2005, 2007, 2013)
2005 Gold Cup Golden Boot winner
1999 U-17 Silver Ball winner
5-time MLS All-Star (2001, 2002, 2003, 2015, 2017)
MLS Best XI selection (2003)