“Adopting one child won’t change the world; but for that child, the world will change.”

You don’t choose your family. They are a gift to you, as you as you are to them. Michael “Spidey” Rodriguez was given up for adoption at 5 months old. He was taken in by a close friend of the family who he calls Mom today. Michael now has 5 children of his own and is a dedicated Father. If you’ve ever seen Spidey play wallball you would know his passion runs deep and it’s the same when it comes to loving his family.  

Growing up in the Mott Haven area of the Bronx there are lots of distractions in the streets. Michael admits to having challenges with street life but credits wallball for keeping him on the right track since he was a child. Spidey, who got the name because of his spider tattoos started playing wallball aka handball at 11 years old and began competing in tournaments at 16 years old. “I saw Geo aka The Human Torch and a few other great athletes on the court who really made me want to get in to the game in a competitive way.” Today Spidey is 26 years old and is one of the most highly competitive, entertaining and fierce players in the game. His bursts of energy and self-motivating tactics are contagious, hyping up crowds and spectators to fully immerse themselves in his matches. 

Michael thanks the sport of wallball for many things, but most importantly for providing a platform to meet his wife. They play together, raise their children together and they’re also business partners. They recently sold ownership of a deli in the Bronx and are looking to forward to their next endeavor. Spidey considers himself in his prime and we are definitely looking forward to watching his growth on the court and in life in the coming future.  

Congratulations to our Player of the Week Michael “Spidey” Rodriguez.