Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Being a part of the baseball team these past four years here at Saint Mary’s has truly been an honor. As most would agree, these four years go by extremely quick, and it’s unfortunate that already it seems, it has to come to a conclusion.

I would first and foremost like to thank my family. Erik and Stefanie, if not for all the time spent in the backyard playing wiffle ball or at the park doing who knows what, I probably wouldn’t have amounted to much. Thank you, Mom and Da,d for everything you’ve provided me throughout life — which is everything. You selflessly provided me with every tool I needed to succeed in whatever I chose, and your absence was rare. Without your continual effort and sacrifices, I would not be where I am today, and I will be eternally grateful. Lastly, I’d like to thank you, Jill. Your bright smile and sense of humor always seem to cheer me up no matter the circumstance. You have always been there when I’ve needed you and I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thanks for making our time together the best I’ve ever had, I love you.

To Coach Whaley, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play Cardinal baseball, I am extremely appreciative. Besides all of your fantastic jokes, I will be taking with me a higher sense of maturity and pride that I learned from you, which I will always demonstrate off the field. Your philosophy of baseball and life is something that I will follow personally throughout life.

Coach Benj, although we may have not met eye to eye on all occasions, our experience together has helped me grow as a person and baseball player, and I’m better because of it. Throughout my years, you have taught me how to be a tough yet relaxed pitcher, both physically and mentally, and I feel like I have grown drastically from my first day until now. The pitching knowledge I gained from you will be used for years and years to come. Contrary to Matty Popek’s statement, you have made me “the best pitching chart doer in the MIAC.” (Matt, you had a typo). I do still believe I owe you some sort of retaliation for the whole text messaging fiasco. Have fun being a father.

Coach Winecke/Nick, congratulations on becoming a coach, I know you’ll be great throughout your career. You were an excellent leader on the field and your attitude as a baseball player is surely one to mimic, keep up the good work. As for off the field, I think we still need to chat about apartment hygiene.

Thank you to trainer Kevin, Kristen, and Ambjor for all the ice, wrap, and insight you’ve provided me. Also, an obvious thank you to Donny Nadeau for basically making sure the Saint Mary’s baseball team essentially exists by providing practically instantaneous statistics and information following every game. I also thank you for being sensitive in articles when pitching outings were not the best, and I’m sure you could vouch for me on being the “best pitching chart doer in the MIAC.”
 
As for former teammates, thanks to: Rinker, Jose, Rhino, Tony, Juice, Timmy, Jacobsen, Danny, Coz, Matty and anyone I may have forgot, for being great leaders and awesome teammates and some roommates. I could say much more about each of you, but my time spent with great guys like you will be what I miss most.

Finally, to the current players: Kevin – You’re extremely dedicated and driven, and your hard work ethic is admirable. I appreciate you accepting me as a flood victim in your home, being temporary roomies was a blast. Good luck next year with everything. I’m sure you’ll stay outstanding, and continue to hone those dance moves. Dave – One thing I won’t miss are your tiny little hairs littering the bathroom daily. But I will miss your smart mouth, and our attempt to have intelligent conversations, when in all reality I’m most likely fabricating my end of the discussion. Good luck next year at law school. Brady – You are quite the unique individual and I enjoyed our moments together. I’ll notably miss our weak attempts of arguing pointless baseball facts when neither of us really knows the truth, then just agreeing peacefully on “whatever man.” You were fun to watch play the game, and have made some of the sickest catches I’ve seen. Take care next year, good luck. Satoshi – We still need to create some sort of tag team wing eating contest, because any competitors would have no hope. It’s been a pleasure playing ball with you; you bring a great atmosphere to the field that I’ll miss. Your art is some of the best I’ve seen, good luck with whatever you do. John – I could only imagine you still miss CJ as much as I do, and your TV. Your sarcasm is always openly accepted with me. Good luck next year at Mayo. Brandon & Alex – I just want you to know I will always be able to eat more wings than you, and among a few others, you’re the best wing buddies ever. I could never get tired of your random wise cracks, but I really don’t like you all that much. It was awesome being temporary roommates, Brandon you better find a worthy bags partner. Good luck next year and maybe another year Alex?

To everyone else: Clay, Pass, Robbie, Kruse, Kyle, Dahlstrom, Fersch, Busch, Swenny, Krause, Willy, Merc, Ding, and all the freshmen, thanks for a fun year, it’s been a pleasure playing with and getting to know all of you, good luck in the future.

Thanks to everyone and also to those whom I may have forgotten. My years here have easily been the best of my life so far, and I’m glad to have spent a part of it with all of you. Thank you and take care.