Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I can not even begin to sum up my college baseball career in a few short paragraphs, it would not do the time I spent here justice. I’d like to start with a quote that a lot of the guys may get a kick out of because they see it everyday tattooed on my arm. Have some fun boys … “All is possible for he who believes.”

This quote really puts together my attitude towards the sport and my overall life. If you believe in something, don’t let anyone or anything get in the way of that. Passion is what drives us as people and without passion nothing worthwhile will be achieved.

I’d like to start off by thanking my parents. They are the most important people in the world to me and without them, I would not have had a chance to continue playing a sport that I loved. Through three reconstructions of my knees and countless games won or lost, my parents have always been there to seek me through the tough times. From driving to Omaha, Neb., to get my knees fixed the right way, to driving me to therapy 3 times a week for six months at a time; you never let me give up. Dad, you are my biggest fan, but what you may not know is that I am yours. You have come to countless games near and far, always ready to throw some great BP to the guys. I feel blessed to have a father like you, and at age 51 you can still throw a ball harder than I can, I still can’t figure that one out. Mom, I can not thank you enough for everything you have done. You inspire me with your words and outlook on life. I know I can always talk to either of you about anything at anytime, and that is a comfort that I cherish. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you.

I’d like to mention my sister also. You are a tough little girl, so athletic, so smart, so beautiful, but most of all, mature beyond your years. I don’t know how you got to be so mature, but I was thinking it could be from being on the sidelines watching me grow up that showed you the right way to do things … or the wrong way, but either way, you got it right. Just keep doing what you are doing and go for it. I love you kid.

I’d like to thank Coach Whaley, not just for his coaching, but also for teaching me how to be a good person. A lot of coaches just talk baseball and they are done with you, but I feel lucky to have a coach that truly cared about his players and their lives in and out of the classroom, on and off the field. I know I have made the last four years interesting, Coach, from me coming to you after practice telling you what happened the night before, before you read it in the paper, to “playing basketball in the bluffs” with my roomy, Matt Popek, I have always felt comfortable in your office. Thanks, Coach, I wish you the best of luck. And yes, my winter coat is bulletproof.

The guys. I have to start with Kriegs. Man, have we had some good times, and yeah, some bad ones, too, but all-in-all you are a great guy, Kriegs, and my college baseball experience wouldn’t have been the same without you. Again, playing tag with the men in blue, iguanas, and nakey time are some of the key moments I remember, but then again who can forget the time Coach left you, pops, Juice, Joe, and I when the team went to dinner? Thanks coach, I’m still waiting on that meal money. Pop, roomy, I know we only  remember bits and pieces, but if we put our minds together, the memories start flowing in. Best thing that ever happened to me was not getting in that club that night. And, I’ll end the memories with Kriegs and Matty with; Hamline 2005, good times. Kev, I have never met anyone that works as hard as you do in the classroom and yes, outside the class room  you are a champ, too, we know. You are a great teammate and friend and I wish you the best of luck bud. Toshman, keep hitting bombs, I’ll see you in Japan someday, I’m coming. Miz, you came in and I didn’t know what was up with you, but you opened up a little and you are hilarious, good luck in all you do. Kuhn, I haven’t seen you around lately, aren’t you on the coaching staff? You have been a great friend and thanks for always being there and never asking questions. Rink and Rhino, thanks for always being on base for me studs. You guys showed me how to play the game right when I arrived. Juice, Jose, Jake, Coz aka my bash brother I enjoyed playing with all of you. Brandon and Alex, I’ll be looking for a wedding invitation in the mail. Robby, you have a sweet stroke kid, just believe it and I can’t wait to see you beating up left field next year, and thanks for always making things complicated in the outfield for me. You owe me two errors. I got it I got it, uhhh. Hawk, honestly you are the hardest working teammate I have ever had, and I know someday you will be a great coach, I can see the passion you have for the game, don’t lose that. Benji, thank you for making the pitchers run so much so I would never feel like I had it the worst. TK, what up cuz? First day of practice sophomore year I had a big sigh of relief when I saw you come strolling in late with rocks in your ear. I knew someone out there had some style, finally got me off the hook with the earring jokes. Clay, I can’t wait to see you out on the mound buddy, I have the utmost respect for you and your situation, keep working hard on your therapy and you’ll be back. Mikes, I told you to go play left field man! Baker, baker, baker, I don’t know what to say to you. Willy, I just met you this year, but we had some great times bud. From green beer to fire alarms it has been fun ride. Kyle, you have the best hands in the MIAC, Arch you made a great impact on this team, and I can not stop rooting for you man, I love watching you hit. And Sam, I can’t tell you how much you inspire me buddy. The day I got to talk with you out in the outfield shagging, I will remember for the rest of my life. This is not a baseball player, but I’d like to mention an amazing artist and soccer player, Joey Manley. From Racine to Winona, I can’t get away from you. Thanks for being a great friend. Hey Kev, two outs! Anyone I forgot, I’m sorry, you have all made a positive impact on my life and I can’t thank you enough.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank Donny Nadeau. We both have an obsession with statistics, what can I say?!?! From emailing you late at night to mention a stat miscue, to watching you master the process of tanning from a shaky freshman year burn to the nice evenly paced tan you mustered up this year in Florida, its been fun. In all honesty, you have a true talent for what you do, and I feel very fortunate to have an SID like you. Thanks, Donny.

Well, it has been a fun ride, and I’d like to thank everyone that was a part of it. I’d like to say one last thing to the younger guys; I know you hear this a lot, but you only have four years to play this wonderful game. Give it your all, and have no regrets, you have been blessed with a wonderful opportunity.