Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Like many former players have said, this paper is one of the hardest things that I have had to write in my college years.  Over the last four years there have been countless memories that I will never forget.  Although we might not have won as many games as anyone would have liked, the times I have had on the field and off are some of the best moments in my life.  Being able to wear the Cardinal baseball uniform is an honor and something that I will never forget.  

To start things off, I would like to thank my parents.  Without the both of you I would have never been able to get through all the ups and downs.  You both mean a lot to me and are my number one fans. Mom, you have been there for me countless numbers of times and for that I thank you.  Even though when dad had to pull over on the way to Northfield when I was only 13, you have made almost every game, rain, snow, or sunshine and that truly means a lot to me.  No matter if we won or lost, you were always there supporting me and waiting to talk after the game.  Dad, you have been one of the biggest influences in my life.  You have given me most of the tools that I have developed not only on the baseball field but in life.  The countless memories that I have of you hitting ground balls at me, throwing me batting practice, and the post game speeches (especially Mr. Prick is back) has really gotten me through a lot.  You both are the best parents that anyone can ask for.  Thanks for everything, I love you!

To my little brother, Danny, although your not so little anymore.  Oh the countless number of battles we have had over the years.  I know that I am the person I am today because I have had the pleasure in being your older brother.  Those late night conversations are something that I will never forget, even if you don’t remember them.  You have always been more than my brother; you are no doubt my best friend. Chels (yes guys I’ll pay the fine), you are one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me.  You have been there for me no matter what and for that I love you.  I know dating me for three years must be really tough.  All the times I have been crabby after a game, you somehow find away to cheer me up.  You are simply amazing and I know our future together is going to last forever. 

I would also like to mention all the coaches that have helped me learn the game that I love.  Coach Michel, playing for you was a privilege and coaching along side of you is an honor.  Benj, thanks for not only being my baseball coach but also my advisor.  Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to get out of here in four years.  Coach Whaley, thanks for allowing me to be apart of such a great program.  Although the wins and loses might not say so, you have taught me more about baseball and life then any other coach I have ever played for.  Finally to coach Wineke, I know that you will turn this program around.  Coming in here as a freshman, I knew you were always the hardest-working player and I can honestly say you are the hardest working coach I have played for.  Keep doing the little things right and the wins and loses will take care of themselves.  Your work ethic and knowledge for the game will change this program and turn it into what it deserves and should be. 

To the seniors, we have been through a lot.  Nobody thought that we would have lost as many games as we did, but it’s not about the wins or loses, it’s about who you went through it with and I know that I went through it with a great group of guys.  Alex I will never forget the first time we hung out in Yons field.  You ran so fast into the woods, I thought we might have a catcher with some wheels (I was wrong).  The following year was your famous Da-Brick-A-Shaw moments, along with your accident at a local establishment down town.  The things that you have done are purely amazing and things that I will never forget.  Brandon, I will never forget the times that we spent rooming next to each other freshman year. You have always been the life of the party and someone who is always looking to have a good time.  Driving your Blazer in the winter might be one of my favorite highlights of freshman year.  Also rooming with you and Alex the last couple of years was truly an experience in itself.  Thanks to the both of you for being great friends and people that I can turn to no matter what.  Tyler “get a rip” Kruse, you are one of a kind.  I will never forget the amazing diving catches in the outfield and the hilarious comments you have for everything.  Also I will never forget the end of the year party when we were freshman (although you might not remember).  Andy ‘Puff Puff” Pass, you are one crazy kid.  You officially have the worst chatter in the MIAC.  I can’t even sit next to you without laughing.  It will be fun rocking you this summer when you play for the Bad News Township Bears.  It has been amazing playing with all four of you guys over the years, and I am very excited to come back here and beat up on future Cardinals during the alumni games. 

Fersch, you will always be my Thursday night date and I know it will be tough not having me there to make sure you get home next year.  Johnny “oh man”, you are one of the funniest kids that I know and your one-liners are priceless.  Joe you are a great kid, next year I think it would be beneficial to the team if you would get in the weight room a little bit.  DD, all I can say is the Ground Round and thanks for getting me through POM.  KR, you have been more like a roommate to me then most of the other guys, practically because you live at our house.  Your dancing ability needs a little work, but all in all you’re a decent kid for going to Hill.  Dinger, you are a rare player.  Its not every day you can find a kid that can hit from Roseville and from the Township, it’s just weird.  Willy you have been nothing short of amazing around the house.  The new decorations of ketchup and ranch bottles really make the house feel warm and cozy.  Joey O, although you might be the shortest kid in the MIAC, your work ethic is great.  Busch, make sure you keep that smoke wagon in gear next year.  Archie, again Ground Round and muffin top, but seriously, I can’t wait for the wedding.  Rewdy and Junks, my Stillwater boys.  Although you are from what might be the best high school in the state, you both are a bunch of donkeys, but I can’t wait to crush all those Township guys this summer.  Lech my “brother”, you have the strongest work ethic on the team, most of that coming from your mouth which never stops.  Sammy keep on dicing kid and maybe you should smile every once in awhile. Gar Bear keep kicking that leg high and always smile.  Bogs, you are amazing and the Louisville Chugger will never be the same.  To all the freshmen, keep on working hard and things will take care of themselves. 

I would also like to thank all those guys that I previously played with.  Kev, Coz, Tosh, Brady, Kriegs, Geske, Miz, Popek, Kuhn, Jake, the Cic brothers, Hawk and all the others you have made my days at Saint Mary’s one to remember.  You have all taught me a lot and what it takes to be a college athlete and Cardinal. The times on the field and off are times that I will remember for the rest of my life.  I would also like to thank the trainers and Donny for all their hard work over the years.  Putting up with us must have been really tough, but your hard work is really appreciated.     

Everyone coming back next year has something special, a chance to play college baseball.  You won’t realize how much it means to you until it is done, trust me.  Being a Cardinal baseball player has changed my life and I know that it will change yours.  Keep on playing the game that you love and have fun with it.  It’s over before you know it.