Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Well, that was quick. It still hasn’t quite dawned on me that my days here at Saint Mary’s are coming to an end. Looking back I am not exactly sure where all of those days went, but I do know that my time here at St. Mary’s as a Cardinal baseball player has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The relationships with my teammates and the memories this game has brought me are more than I could ever ask for.
   
First off, I need to thank my family. Dad, you started this whole thing by putting a baseball in my hand. I can never thank you enough for all the extra time you have taken over the years to teach me this game. All the great memories that baseball has brought me stem from you sharing your love of the game with me. Having you coach me growing up means a lot to me, but I’m sorry, it can’t even come close to my favorite baseball memory. Playing third base with you on the mound is one of the greatest memories of my life. I am probably the only one on this team that can say that they have played on the same team as their dad, and that is something that I will be proud of forever. Thanks for everything dad.  
   
Mom, you have been my #1 fan. I don’t know how many miles you logged following dad and me around but I always remember you being there at games growing up. You were always there to cheer me up or to celebrate depending on how the game went. Whether it was cooking me a pregame meal quick after school, or bringing me the contacts I forgot to put in, you always did whatever you could to help me be successful on the baseball diamond. Your love and support throughout the years is more than any young ballplayer could ask for.
   
Lil, I know that watching a baseball game isn’t one of your favorite things to do, but you have been a very good sport throughout the years. I really appreciate you tagging along with mom and dad to watch me play, even when you would rather be doing other things. You are a great young girl with a very promising future. You always surprise me with your maturity, and you will do great in whatever you do.
   
Zach, you keep me in check at all times. I know mom and dad would have loved to follow you around like they did me, but that just isn’t the reality. You are the reason I take so much pride in putting a uniform on, because I know you would in a heartbeat if you could. You have taught me to cherish all the simple things that I get to do in everyday life that you just don’t have the opportunity to do. You are a great kid, always smiling, bringing a love and passion for life on a daily basis that no one I have ever met can match. You have taught me so many things, most importantly to appreciate everything I have.
   
Marie, you are up here too… Yeah I will pay the fine boys. But you have pushed me to be the best I can possibly be both on and off the field. You have definitely been a factor in my success. When I got hurt last year you never let me quit on myself, and I am grateful for that. Thank you for everything.    
   
To my teammates, you have given me a lifetime of memories both on and off the field that will stay with me forever. Teammates, I won’t have time to talk about all of these because I am writing this before practice, but I want you to know that you have all made a great impact on my life. Seniors: We have had some great times, definitely too many for this paper. Swenny, I will always remember the RBI you got me at Olaf and how much you got chewed out for running through that stop sign. Fersch, you sitting in Swenny’s room by yourself during your gamer phase, headset and all with a box of Froot Loops comes to mind. Ding, I can’t get over you being locked in a bathroom the night of the benefit dance. Arch, how Santiago got up and made that play is beyond me. DD, the potato bat home run was epic, but I still have you beat. KR, I just want you to step on the foul line once. Just once, do it for me. Willy, I still cant understand a word you are saying.  Joey, I don’t know if I should include you with the seniors or not, but that birthday hug was the best gift a guy could ask for when he’s away from home.
   
Juniors: Bogs and Gary, BV about sums up my sophomore year. Rew don’t worry, we will get that hole in your wall fixed up. Lech you are the best outfielder I have ever played with, just smile every once in a while. Sam, I wish I could have been there to see you and DJ napping together.  Ruf, you are a junior to me, and I knew your car was in that parking lot somewhere. The rest of the guys: I need to wrap this up and get out to practice with you, but thank you so much for all the memories. Each one of the teammates I have had has helped shape my experience here in some way or another. This team is truly a family to me and I am honored to know each and every one of you.
  
I would like to thank all of my coaches and everyone who has helped me learn this game. Baseball has brought me some of my best friends and memories, and all of you that have pushed me to where I am today deserve great thanks. I look forward to hearing the success this program has in its future. Thanks again to everyone for all the memories.