‘The Epitome of Sleaze’

As a pitcher on the Niles West High School freshman team in 1975, Rick Singer was decidedly average. In 26 innings, he allowed 17 walks, 35 hits, and 35 runs. Yet Marv Klebba, who coached the team, remembers the “chunky kid who pitched a little bit” more vividly than he does many better players. Almost two decades later, Singer embarked on the career that would ultimately lead him into deep trouble.