Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I can honestly say that the last four years have been the most fun years of my life.  As long as I can remember, everyone has told me that my college years would be unbelievable and that I should cherish them because they would fly by.  In hindsight, I feel that I have taken every experience in college and lived it to the fullest (from what I can remember). They have gone bye in the blink of an eye.  Having the opportunity to play for the Saint Mary’s Cardinal baseball team has meant so much to me. The relationships with my teammates and the chance to compete with them have been a blessing, and the memories will remain with me for the rest of my life.  The moment I stepped onto the Max Molock Field in the fall of my freshman year, I knew I was in the right place. Guys like Coz, Coach Winecke, Matty Popeck, Kuhn, Leech, Krieger, Miz, Kevin, Brady, and Danny were all there to make me feel a part of a team and, better yet, a family.  I wouldn’t trade your friendships for anything in the world. Coach Whaley, thank you so much for believing in me and giving me a chance to continue my passion.  You taught me the right way to play the game.  Thank you also for letting me line judge for the Cotter volleyball team and giving me the opportunity to witness sheer greatness during Cotter’s 2007-08 season!

To my family, my greatest memories growing up have all involved baseball.  Whether it be throwing up in my Minnesota Gopher baseball hat because no one believed I was sick, traveling around the country to watch Jeff pitch and getting to be bat boy in Vancouver, being sent to the car for swearing when the entire family was there to watch me play, or hearing Sarah complain at the kitchen table that we only talk about baseball.  Jeff, you have been a great older brother and I have always looked up to you.  Being able to shag balls with you and the guys in Vancouver and racing the moose around the bases always made me feel special. Sarah, for all the bickering we did growing up and all the tantrums I had to hear, you are the best older sister I could ever ask for.  You have grown up so fast and I am so proud of how dependent you are.  I am always star struck when I come visit you and enjoy the few days of paradise. I love you tons. Mom and Dad, what can I say you are my best friends.  You have provided me with everything I have needed to fulfill my dreams and I couldn’t have done it without your love and support.  Mom I don’t know any moms that would answer their son’s phone calls at 3:30 in the morning to listen to his slurred song lyrics or embarrassing stories from his inconsiderate friends.  Dad, you have never wanted more than for me to be happy.  You have provided me with all the skills to be a man and I can only wish to be half the man you are.  You have taught me how to be competitive and always expected my best. I love all of you so much and appreciate everything you have provided me with to fulfill my dreams.

To Coach Winecke, I have had both the opportunity to have you as a teammate and as a coach. Both have been great experiences.  We have gone through the ringer and back this year, and you have never let us skip a beat.  Your determination and enthusiasm are now the face of this program, and you have gained the respect of everyone around you.  You were born to be a college baseball coach. You have changed my life and will undoubtedly change the lives of many players down the road.  Although we have fallen short of the goals we have set for ourselves this season, this program has already made leaps and bounds toward a successful program.  Keep up the good work, and I look forward to continuing to learn the game of baseball at your side.

To my fellow seniors: Brandon, although I believe you have made me a more depraved individual and gotten me into more trouble than I could have gotten myself into over the past four years, you are, and will always be, my best friend.  I hate you with all my heart, but you have been a great roommate and even better drinking companion.  Somehow you have managed to get through college and even managed to get a job (there is no doubt you have cheated the system). I love you buddy.  Robbie, even though you pay rent at our house doesn’t make you a roommate. However, in all seriousness, you have been a great friend. We have had some wild times up in Lake Elmo: (Sweet Caroline with Rew’s dad, the football helmet, Danny’s grad party, and miserable car rides home). I wish the best for you and hope you get married in Zubbas and your green sweater.  Kruse, ain’t nobody on the corner have swagger like you. Your infamous diving catches in the outfield send shivers up my spine, and your attitude toward life brings a smile to everyone’s face.  I will never forget the time you and Krieger popped your “innocent” heads out of the alley during freshman year after the tsunami went through Kuhn’s kitchen or the time I caught you playing foosball in your birthday suit. Puff Puff Pass, you are undoubtedly one of the two most content people I know (what’s in the Roseville water).  It has been a pleasure catching for you the last four years and watching people whiff at your sinking changeup.  Fellow seniors, we have been through thick and thin and have prepared ourselves for any obstacle that comes our way.  Our years here at St. Mary’s have certainly tested our character, and I know we have all passed that test with flying colors. I am sure we will all be successful in our own way.

To my teammates: Kyle Ryan/Ryan Kyle, I will always be around to do broad shoulders for you and Lorenzo whenever the time comes.  You have always been there to try to talk sense into Brandon and me, and we have always been there to get you to drop all inhibitions and come with us.  You have been great teammates and even better friends. Continue to have passion for the game and lead this team to many more victories next year. Don’t let Lechner get under your skin too badly. Lechner, you are the little brother that I’m glad I never had.  Rew, you are a hardnosed kid and a great athlete. Continue to work hard and to be a leader… oh, yeah, and take a deep breath every once in awhile.  Bogie, your dry sense of humor and impression of you know who, “Do you wanna like…,” has made me break out in laughter so many times.  Krause Pump, you are an animal. Get healthy because we need you on the mound next year. Dinger, it has been a pleasure playing by your side. We have competed and made each other better catchers throughout the years. I am in your corner and hope you will teach me to prance the way you do. Sweeny, your stories and one-liners are the best. Continue to argue sports. You haven’t lost a battle yet.  Gary, you are goofy.  Joe, I wish I could have been a part of your conversations at second. I would always get a taste of them at the wrong time. Fresh, amp up and strike everyone out next year.  DD, I wish you would have tutored me or at least showed me where the library was. Arch, thanks for being my fellow thunder thighs.  Big Uncle Bill, we would have been much better friends if I would have understood more than every third word that came out of your mouth.  Smoke Wagon, stop hitting guys. Freshmen, continue to work hard and to believe in the program. The years go by faster than you will ever believe.

Saint Mary’s and Cardinal baseball will always be in my blood. I have had the opportunity to become the person I am today because of this place and my many teammates. I have met some of the most unbelievable friends and have been a part of a family that will never stop growing. Thanks for all the memories.

    Maybe next year, I’ll start acting my age
    Turn a new leaf over my wicked ways
    Get a real job and start pullin’ my weight
    Only 365 days
    Until I change my ways
    —Corey Smith