I truly believe that the time I spend at Saint Mary’s was the greatest college experience I could have had. The things I have learned and the people I have met was an experience I could not have gotten anywhere else. I am thankful everyday for the chance I had to play baseball with such an incredible group of guys. I was lucky enough to come here knowing a good group of people but never imagined they would become the lifelong friends they are. Before this gets to long I have a few people I would like to mention.
First, I need to start with thanking my parents. Without you, I would have never attended and played baseball at Saint Mary’s. You both provided me with the greatest childhood memories I could have asked for. From the weekends spend at the cabin, to the Red Lobster dates, everything you have done for has shaped me into the man I am today. As we grow older I know our family will never grow apart no matter the distance. I hope, when I have a family one day, we will continue to grow and share many more incredible memories. I know you both have always wanted the best for me and all your children. I can truly say you gave me the opportunity to have the best and I made the most of it.
Mom, you are the most loving and compassionate person I know. You showed me how to overcome anything that can happen in life. After the accident, you overcame incredible odds to gain back the things you love that were taken from you and at times when nobody though you would never be able to have again, your family always believed in you. You gave us strength when you had none and I can still feel how strong you were those difficult days and its helped push me to be the best I can be. I hope you’re not crying yet but I am sure you will at some point. Do you remember the first chapter book you helped me struggle though? I do. It was about Ken Griffey Jr., my favorite baseball player. You were always there for me when I was struggling with anytime and kept me positive as if you knew everything would always be ok. I have learned to trust you on that. I love you.
Dad, because of you, baseball was instilled in my blood. More so you taught me how to treat the game, and people with respect. Baseball has been a part of our life ever since I was young and its something we will always be able to share together. You are the most humble man I know. I hope to get half the praise and honor as you someday. I am so proud to be your son when I hear people talk about you. Thank you for all the positive support you gave me when baseball was getting hard and I wanted to quit. You never told me I couldn’t, but I stuck with it because I know you never quit when life got hard. I am forever grateful I pushed though it because I will remember these days forever. Maybe one of these days you will hook into a bigger bass then me…doubt it though. I know I do not say it enough, but I love you.
Danny, my brother, the kindest and most generous person I know. You know and appreciate hard work and you have inspired me to work my butt off to become the best baseball player I can be. I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you for all you have done. Always being there and supporting me like a big brother should. Our childhood memories are irreplaceable and I hope you know how often I look back on them. Sara my sister, in ways you have been a guardian angle on my shoulder. Somehow you always know what’s best for me, even when I don’t. You loving and caring personality is something I wish to have as I get older. Your passion for helping people any way possible is one of the most selfless acts I have ever seen from someone your age. You set your life aside to help people and I have always looked at that with the upmost respect.
Coach Winecke, I can never thank you enough for all you have done for me, and the baseball program at Saint Mary’s. Your passion and dedication for baseball and your players is unending. I am glad to see this program is on right path to be a top competitor in the MIAC. I wish you nothing but the best for you in the future. Oh yea, remember the walk off….TOWNSHIP. Coach Jake, I am glad you got the chance to become a member of the Saint Mary’s program once again, and this time as a coach. You are what some call a true “lifer” and nobody is more deserving of that title. You’re between games speeches have always helped calm nerves and prepare us for the next big game. I think you’re a great coach and friend as well and wish you nothing but the best. Coach Schmidt- I am one of the few people that can say I had the chance to know you as a teammate, coach, and friend. You showed me as a freshman what it was like to be a Saint Mary’s baseball player and I fear guys like you are hard to find these days. You commitment to the program is undeniable. Do me a favor and make sure the traditions you have instilled in me never leave Saint Mary’s because without enjoyment of playing at SMU, well it would be pretty tough. I wish I could relive a few moments at 56 Saratoga Ct. once again. Coach Auggie, it has not been an easy road, but your knowledge and attitude for the game has helped us through some hard times. Thanks for the time and commitment to helping me become a better player. I don’t think I will ever be able to figure out the footwork and tags on long hops though.
Now, I would like to mention some teammates I have had the chance to play with in past years that I spend most my journey here at Saint Mary’s with. It was never about baseball for me, it was being with you guys and I will never forget our time at the Mary’s together.
To the Tuesday night wings and 241, Betty Joes guys. Winona has never, and will never, be the place it was once you guys left me. I tried to keep the tradition going but it just did not feel right...oh and Jess doesn’t work there anymore and they got rid of 241s. “Snakebites, Dice, Platinum Yamaka” still echo down third street on the now quite Tuesday nights. Willy you got the tab. T-KRUZ, words cannot describe how happy I am that we were teammates and friends. The greatest memories I have of college involve you. From the terrible trip to Iowa, which turned into one of the most epic weekends ever, to you being 100% committed to a tattoo in OMAHA, the trip to Two Harbors and how much you loved my couch. Too bad we never found the “Legendary Lost Shirt.” Your passion and excitement for life is something I will never forget. Swenny, Captin John, OD, since early high school and throughout college you have been one of my best friends. The time we shared together over the past years will be cherished forever. I cannot thank you enough for all you did for me whether it was rides, letting me borrow your car or floatin me a loan. We went through just about everything in college together and you never judged me, so I thank you. I know we have many summers of Township left. Fersh, roommate and friend and forever a honorary Cretin boy. And I am glad I was sitting in the back seat of your car that day. Willy I hope I never live with you again. But you were always a great person to celebrate a weekend with or Tuesday night. And if you ever had a tab open expect me to put a few on there. Ding we definitely had a few some crazy times together. We still gotta find the “Deals.” And I need the AstroNot asap. Krause I think the legend of Kirby Carr will….last forever. I am glad you did not quit baseball after that, although it would be understandable. Still can’t believe we lived in that dump of a house but man was it fun. DD and Arch, Ground Round will never be the same. KR you have great friend and coach. I know you will work hard and succeed as a coach just as you did as a player. Thanks for all your help and support throughout the years. JD missed you and thonjamin a lil bit but we stayed in touch on the weekends. Farah I wish you could have been on a squad a few more years. Don’t think your hard work did not go unnoticed. Definitely enjoyed being your roommate as well cause you always provided some fresh dance moves, “Hey Willgy,” I dint forget about ya bud. And Brandon….thanks for the walk-off against UST cause things got silly after that.
Now for my fellow seniors. Bogs, you sure do know how to have a good time and spend some coin. Not sure if I ever thanked you but that continental breakfast in OMAHA was great…almost as great as that weekend. Being your roommate for a few years has been an unreal time (especially after Willy moved out) and you’re an ultimate road tripper but I will never go back to IOWA. I’d advise you to do the same. Never gonna forget all the big buddies (MEGA for you) and the bat that made us scream like babies. Rudy, you are always welcome to come join the TOWNSHIP, although I cannot forsee it in the near future, as we do not provide Oakley’s. Thanks for being a great leader and friends over the years. I hope to see RODDNY out a few more times before we leave maybe around the table with some coins. Ruff Daddy, thanks for transferring to Saint Mary’s so you could provide me with some serious laughs and so you could try and blow a fastball in on me, because that was my only triple in college. Sammy, I still never got a call to come over for some raggers at your house. Lech, a true township boy at heart. You have been a good friend and someone who was always pushed me to be the best ball player I can be. Thanks to you, Swenny and I know what it’s like to be fireman. Oh and by the way…I knew it was your leg. Gary, I suggest you and the rest of the farm animals upstairs figure it out. Glad I had the chance to experience college with you because when your around there Is never a dull moment. Timmons, you eat more seeds than anyone in the MIAC. I don’t know how you live off seeds and Cardinal Club, because it’s amazing
To the underclassmen — Curt, well not much to say here but we still need to have it. You always wore that C proud ya beauty. Just cool it with all the online quizzes because it bugs everyone. Sup Vin, glade we had a chance to chill at the crib all those nights before games. I’m going to miss those nights when we listen to some music at the house. Might have to get the butters going soon huh Vin. Cody, 5ver, ODELL. You know you always have a spot to crash at my place. I will never look at black mid under amour socks the same as long as I live. I felt like we were brothers the past two years…and so do they. How about some Stag kid. Danny beside being from Chicago and living upstairs you’re a good friend. Although you really do need to figure it out…soon cause your quite the joke as of now. Teddy (AKA Benedict Arnold), I need your township hat. Otherwise, Coach Rick will be hunting you down….and he will find you. Larsy, You were always down for a nice quiet night in the kitchen. You always a smile on your face and a good time a head. Keep working and you will become a great baseball player. Tess, you and teddy have fun cleaning up the bottom of the Skyline this year. You know where to find me…right at the top. Matty, never in a million years did I think I would end up on a team with you. Very happy I did because you might have some of the funniest lines in the world. Your gonna fit in real nice with the township and can’t wait for this summer….you will grow up real quick… Servy, Figure it out man. If I wasn’t on your case all the time you would be up the creek in a canoe with no bottom. Its about time you get it together. Oh by the way the Jeters…they gotta go. Hendo you got a great thing going….stay outta the squat racks for me. Personally I think your way to cool to sink down to the Mudhens but we will take it easy on ya…maybe one day you can put on the black and white of the Champions from White Bear Township. And to all my other teammates, enjoy your time down here while it last. It’s been a pleasure with you all
Almost done, just a few others I need to mention who helped make this ride the incredible journey it was.
To Dick, Rick and Bill. Thanks for everything you guys have done for the TOWNSHIP baseball team, because me and so many others live for it. To my rowdy roommates, well I think we all agree that living with 10 guys was just about the worst idea ever. The MN boys downstairs are fine, but the chi-town and Wisco boys need to figure it out. Just a bunch of jamokes up there. Stinkin, I think you have provided me more entertainment this year than anyone…even if you were snealin in the dungeon nonstop. I cannot believe how often you nap/sleep cause it would kill most people. Ever been to Hardees…for breakfast? Wait, you have. Bean my man always down for a good time I loved every minute of it. PcanPat, thanks for always getting “All Banged Up” on nights before a game and keeping that voice down. Suchla I will never forget how proud you were that night coming into the kitchen parents weekend. Matty clean your room once in a while. And Z? Thanks for the good times boys and I hope that house burns down cause it’s going to be in rough shape when we leave. And to you. If you’re reading this and I never get a chance to say goodbye, thanks for everything.
Get Money |
