Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It seems like only yesterday I was walking out to the Max for the first day of captain’s practice, nervous, not knowing what to expect.  I was just hoping to fit in, make the team, and prolong my baseball career.  I had no idea, nor could have ever imagined the friendships and memories I was about to embark on.  As I sit here trying to write this salute, I cannot believe that it’s my turn to say my goodbyes and thanks to all those who have been a part of my wonderful four years at Saint Mary’s.  I have read the senior salutes every year thinking it would be a long time until I would have to write my own, but here I am, writing one of the tougher papers I have had to write in my college years (shows you how tough college is…).  It saddens me to know that in a short time I will never put on that Cardinal uniform and “hop” over the foul line and sprint onto the field, however,  having the opportunity to put on that Red and White Cardinal uniform is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.  That opportunity would have never been possible without my teammates, and coaches along the way and most importantly, my family.
   
I would like to first and foremost thank my mom and dad, who are the reason I am here today.  Without both of you, my dreams and my goals would have never been possible.  Dad, for as long as I can remember I have been right by your side. You put a bat in my hands and a glove on the “right” hand by the time I was three.  Pitching to me in the back yard, the few times that I would swing and miss you would tell me it was a bad pitch.  I caught on fast and after that, if I ever missed, I let you here about your terrible pitching.  But in all seriousness, you were the one that showed me the way to this game. Growing up, it was always me and you heading to Kelly and Cory’s wrestling matches, baseball games, basketball games or the Erin and Meghan’s basketball games, softball games, and even those boring dance recitals. (Sorry Erin, they weren’t fun for me haha) While we were at everyone’s baseball and softball games, all you ever wanted to do was watch who’s ever game we were at but I was right there bugging you at every moment to play catch with me, throw my grounders, throw me pop flies, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have become the player I am today. When it was my turn to play, you were right there pushing me along during my wrestling matches, baseball games, whatever it was.  And when I decided to “betray” wrestling, something you and Grandpa coached and were a part of for a large part of your life, to play hockey (you have only yourself to blame for taking me to all those Hill-Murray Hockey games) you didn’t even flinch, you were right behind me, taking me to buy my equipment and bringing me to practice.  I’ll never forget our trips to Fort Myers, Florida to watch Kelly play baseball for St. Thomas on his spring trip, just me, you, lots of hours in the car, and hours of baseball to watch.  You have no idea how much I cherish having you in the stands every game, cheering me on.  I will never forget how you came down to Winona to watch the last double header of my sophomore year, just a couple days after you had surgery to remove the prostate cancer, it was an unforgettable moment.  (If I remember correctly, it was just hours after your surgery and you were telling the nurse that you were capable of coming down to St. Peter to watch the final three innings of a game that was rained out and postponed until days later).  You never miss a thing and I don’t know what I would do, or what our family would do without having a Father like you.  You are there for each and every one of us  I thank you for everything you have done, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. I love you Dad! Mom, you have always been the first person to greet me after a game.  Whether I played the worst game of my life or I had a good game, you were right there to give me a hug and tell me how well I played (sometimes I didn’t believe you).  It is the one thing I look forward to after a long day of baseball.  You are always in the stands cheering me on, I can always here you above anyone else (except Mrs. Haugh, she’s just really loud).  I can’t imagine my life without you helping me along the way.  You are always there making sure I get everything done, from filling out financial aid stuff, to making sure I get my insurance turned in, I may not act like I appreciate it but I truly do.  I’m not going to lie, I’m a procrastinator (what a shock right?) and if it weren’t for you, I probably would have missed a few deadlines on some important things.  I don’t know what I would do without you, I love you Mom!  To both of you, for all the miles you have driven to attend games and countless sacrifices you have made to allow me to have a bright future, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I love you both!
   
Now on to my brothers and sisters, Kelly, for as long as I can remember I have looked up to you.  I have always tried to mimic your every move (sometimes as a smart aleck) but most of the time it was because I wanted to be like you.  I still hop over that foul line every time I cross it, something I picked up on from you while at your games when I was about seven or eight.  It’s a shame they didn’t see you for the ball player you are during your days at St. Thomas, but 7 years after you graduated, the boys from the Skyline were still impressed with your play (by the way I’m still faster, always will be ya old fart).  Cory, you’ve always been that brother that I could go to if I were ever in need.  I have learned a lot from you, not only through baseball, but life itself.  Since Kelly couldn’t really hack it in the infield, (they had to send him to the outfield), I learned a lot listening to you and watching you play second base.  When I started playing second base in high school, I listened and took advise from you, it helped me gain the skills I have at turning those double plays at second.  Growing up with brothers like you was more than a guy could ask for.  Even though you guys are 9 and 7 years older than me, you never let me win, but it helped shape me into the competitive ball player that I am today.  We broke quite a few picture frames and other things in that living room while playing knee hockey, or that base stealing game we came up with.  Probably broke a few more things than Mom and Dad know about, and probably won’t know about for a few more years haha.  Thank you for being the brothers that you are and continue to be today.  To Becky thanks for taking Cory off our hands and for being a great sister-in-law and allowing me to be the favorite uncle (not my choice, Natalie told me).  Also thanks for putting up with me when I come over to play some video games or watch some movies with you guys, I always enjoy the free meal involved haha.  To my sisters, Erin and Meghan, I probably should have thanked you first, it’s not like Kelly and Cory could have done anything about it, those old farts can’t take me anymore.  Erin, thanks for being a great sister and one I can always go to for advice.  I still remember when you got your license and how mad you would get at me when I would have Mom or Dad make you drive me to the batting cages (you were playing softball you needed the swings too)!  To John, thanks for being a great brother-in-law, I couldn’t imagine anyone better for my sister.  I look forward to having a little nephew very soon, even though you guys haven’t found out, trust me, it’s a boy!  But if not, don’t worry I’ll be happy if it’s another niece (as long as she doesn’t fart on me like Peyton, like father like daughter huh Kelly?).  To Meghan, we’ve had some great times over the years, particularly the old 21st birthday down here in Winona.  But I’m still a little upset about that time you cancelled on coming to Winona, you broke your foot walking home? Really? At least come up with a believable story next time (maybe you would have been invited backstage with Rascal Flatts) we’ll never know haha.  Thanks for always being there for me, even though were living 2000 miles apart, you’re only a phone call away.  To all of you, Kelly, Peyton, Cory, Becky, Natalie, Erin, John, and Meghan, I love you all!
   
To Grandma Caron and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins, there are too many of you to name but thank you for supporting me and being behind me.  It means the world to me when I see one of you sitting next to my parents cheering me on.  To all of my family, thank you and I love you all!     
   
To all of my coaches growing up allowing me to become the baseball player I am today.  To Coach Lechner and Coach Quinlan, my high school baseball days at Hill-Murray were some of the best times of my life.  From Coach Lechner throwing a million pitches a day, to Coach Quinlan’s sky bombs, if it weren’t for you two, I would not have been as prepared as I was to play college baseball.  I’ll never forget one of Coach Quinlan’s lessons, “if you ain’t cheatin, you ain’t trying”.  I thank you both!  To Robb Quinlan, I can’t thank you enough for providing me with new cleats year in and year out.
   
To Coach Whaley, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play baseball at Saint Mary’s.  I have cherished every second of it since the first day I stepped onto the field with you as our coach.  You emphasized playing the game the right way, working hard and becoming a better baseball player, but most importantly you challenged us to become better people as well.  To Coach Huegel, thank you for being a great coach, but also a great academic advisor.  I have enjoyed our football discussions over the years, go Gophers!  
   
To Coach Winecke, you were one of the first guys to introduce yourself my freshman year, you helped me out a lot my freshmen year and I enjoyed our racquet ball battles that year.  You then became our coach and truly have the drive to turn this program around.  It’s been evident these past couple of years and it has made my years here very enjoyable.  Keep maturing and growing as a baseball coach because pretty soon, Saint Mary’s will be back at the top of the MIAC.  You’ve helped push me along the way and have made this team and last year’s team believe in themselves and believe that we belong at the top of the conference.  We may not have accomplished that goal this year but I know you will push the future ball players to be the best they can be and get back to success at Saint Mary’s.  Thank you for all that you’ve done for me and my teammates.  To Coach Jacobson, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the job that you have done this year has been phenomenal.  There couldn’t have been a better guy for the job.  Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better leader.  I have enjoyed our long discussions about baseball and sports in general and look forward to being your roommate next year.  To Donny, it was always a blast having you along on our spring trips, thank you for all the things you do for not only our program but the entire athletic department, they do not go unnoticed.  
   
To my fellow Seniors, we have been through a lot in our four years, may not have won as many games as we wanted to or should have, but we sure had fun over these four years.  John/Swenny/John Brown, even though we differ in High School opinions, I believe we both made the right choice in coming down to Saint Mary’s.  We’ve had some great times over the years and it all started back in good old Benilde (freshmen dorm).  Thanks for being a great teammate and even better friend and keep swinging that big stick, I look forward to our future Logger/Township meetings this summer, don’t worry you’ll be seeing our stud each time.  Dahlstrom/Double D’s/The Professor, if it weren’t for you I don’t think I would have had as good of grades as I did throughout college, except for on that Freakenomics test, I could have done that thing in my sleep, can’t believe you only got a 66 out of 70 while I got a 67, just weren’t prepared huh?  I will miss some of those Ground Round evenings next year but maybe I’ll visit you in Austin and we can grab a be..burger at good old Torgy’s.  Good luck with the new job next year and hopefully someday we will witness a Vikings Super Bowl game.  Brett/Fersch/Freshwater, I enjoyed painting with you over that freshmen summer and always beaking you until you enrolled at David Krieger’s beaking class and learned how to fight back.  It’s been fun and if you pitch against us Loggers this summer, I would appreciate it if you don’t make me wear one in the back. Krause/Pump, it’s been a blast, just too bad you didn’t join the Benilde crowd.  It’s been fun being your neighbor this past year, you’re always good for a roll of toilet paper or two.  Big Ding/OlberZack, it’s been a fun four years watching you frolic around the baseball field.  You’re a man of few words and one that was never quite understood.  AaaaaaarCCHH, it’s been fun getting to know you over the past couple of years, I have never met anyone stronger than you.  Watching you go through that tough time last year was a testament to your character, I don’t think I could have been as strong as your were during that time.  You’re a great baseball player and even better friend.  Willy, it’s been fun and I’m glad you made the switch from St. Thomas.  Busch, it wasn’t the same without you this year, too bad about the arm, but thank you for being a great teammate throughout the years.  To my roommate and best friend Lorenzo (easy pickenz), you may not have played baseball, but for the past four years I think it’s safe to say that you were an “honorary” baseball player.  You have always been there for me and we have shared some of the best times together.  Thank you for being a great friend and allowing me to sleep (for the most part) before game days.  Thank you to all the seniors for making my four years here unforgettable.
   
To the underclassmen: RewBear, I miss having you over at third but the transformation you’ve made to the outfield has been awesome, keep being that good leader and drive this team to many victories next year. Oh, and I can’t wait until us Loggers dominate the old Skyline this summer.  Lechner, you know just what to say when you want to get under my skin, but you have always been that guy pushing me along and helping me get better.  You’re a great ball player and even better leader, I know you will carry this team to the top of the MIAC.  J-O/Joe Dell, my laundry partner, where would I be if I had to do all by myself.  Keep “Chatting” it up, love to hear those stories whenever you venture on over to short. Bogs, keep working on that arsenal and I’ll put in a good word to Jacobson to get you back on the hill dropping that hammer.  Gary, I think that laugh of yours is fake and was just a cry for attention your freshmen year... it worked and it will always get me laughing whenever I hear it.  Ruff Daddy, aren’t you a little old to be playing baseball sir? Sammy, keep racking up those fines for Dahlstrom.  Churtee, quit making a scene you Duster!  But keep swinging that good bat Churtee, I look forward to many summers together as Loggers.  Hey Dan, how’s about that Irish game this fall, I think we’re going to turn it around, be pretty good this year…Max, your one of the hardest workers on the field keep it up and your time will come.  Dwyer (Lexi), I’m glad I was able to persuade you to come down to Saint Mary’s during your visit a couple years ago, hope you had a good night… Casey, keep jamming those hitters inside, I love all the ground balls you give me.  Tweez, keep slinging that deuce.  Vinny Lulu with the old tap, tap routine, gotta love it.  Nord, keep working hard, be that good lefty.  D Payne and Tessmer, best lifting partners ever, hope you have plenty of plain white T’s ready to go for next year Tess.  I going to miss our short stop chats Payne Train.  Mikey keep flying around out there and making those NASTY catches. Servais, huh? Kampfire, keep pumping that iron for the ladies.  Code Man, it’s too bad our combination was short lived, keep getting better and get after it next year.  I expect nothing less than .900 during fall ball.  Kronebusch, welcome to college baseball! Teddy, it’s been awesome playing with you, with your stuff on the hill, I know you will help lead this team to many more victories in the future.  I hope you’re ready to play with us in a little Highland Fest this summer.  To all my current teammates, thank you for making this year as memorable as possible.
   
To some older guys, to Schmidty/fatty/supertramp/D’Brickashaw, how many nicknames did u you have?  You were an awesome coach for us this year, but to me you’ve been an even better friend.  I have had some of the greatest times with you and Brandon over at 56 Saratoga CT, I basically lived there, just didn’t pay rent.  Whenever I’m hanging out with you I’ll make sure and wear my blue shirt because as you know, “the guy in the blue shirt gets the number”.  Brandon, it was a blast having you as my partner up the middle for three years.  You turned out to be a great friend and things just weren’t the same down here this year, a little less crazy I’d say.  My fellow Logger Robbie Johnson, I’ll always remember stealing your pizza rolls because you were never home to eat them.  Coz and Kriegs, our summer under the sun painting was “BRRUUTALL”, but goofing around with you guys all day made it worth it.  To Kev Black, Geske, 2-1, Tosh, T-Kruse, Clay, Micheals, Kuhner, the Wizard, Farah, Miz, Popek, Tony and Charlie Cic, and anyone else that I am forgetting, thank you for making my days as a Cardinal baseball player memorable ones.
   
We may not have won many games in my career at Saint Mary’s but in a couple of years it won’t be what people remember, the things we will look back on are the good times we had and the friendships we made on the ball field.  It still hasn’t truly set in that I will not be playing baseball next year and it probably won’t hit me until the fall.  It will be something that I will miss, but the memories I have are irreplaceable.  I want to thank everyone who was a part of my days as a Cardinal baseball player, without a doubt they have been some of the best days of my life.