First off, I would like to say that I am blessed to be given the opportunity to attend this University and to be able wear the red and white. One of the major deciding factors on coming to Saint Mary’s was that I wanted to continue to play baseball. I wanted to be apart of something that most people don’t get to experience. Looking back on 4 years this was a lot more than just the wins and losses but was the guys that I played with and the memories we made. We had some of the greatest times here at SMU that will never be forgotten. This school is very unique and the reason I say this is because most schools you only get 4 years of friends, but at Saint Mary’s its more like 8 years because when you’re a freshman you know everyone from a freshman to senior and when you’re a senior you know everyone from a senior all the way down to the freshman class.
Baseball has been more than just a game to me, it has taught me more about myself and about life than I ever could have imagined. It has helped me grow up to the person I am now and will be for the rest of my life. It is an honor to say that I played 4 years of college baseball but as we all know every good thing has to come to an end.
I would like to start off by thanking my parents for being at every single game I have played in. You have been the absolute greatest parents in the world throughout these 22 years and have constantly pushed me to be the best person I can be. The things you have taught me will never be forgotten and will be carried with me for the rest of my life. You two truly are my best friends in the entire world and I love you two more than you will ever know.
Dad: I will never forget playing ball in the alley on Highland Parkway and you pitching to me saying, “Here comes the Roger Clemens fastball” or throwing off the driveway mound we had on Otis. I have looked up to you my whole life and have always wanted to be just like you. Thanks for being the biggest influence in my life, coaching me, and most importantly my best friend.
Mother (Pearl): I don’t know if words can describe how much you mean too me. You may not have thrown a million pitches to me, or sat that there for countless hours at the gym rebounding for me (that was dad’s job), but it is safe to say I will always be a Momma’s boy. You have been there for me whenever I have needed someone. I love being able to talk to you about anything and everything. You are by far the strongest person I will ever know and have a heart bigger than anyone in the world. Because of you I have always found the strength to accomplish anything.
Maggie, Katie, and Lil Fred: You three are something else and you have made growing up the best in the Bogie household. I know sometimes we seem distant from each other with me being the big brother always wanting to watch over and protect you three, but I always want you to know that I am here for you and would do anything in the world for you guys. I love you three so much and cant wait to continue to become closer and closer as we get older.
Hanky Mamma: I always told Mom if you were not born I was leaving the house. You are my boy Hank and make my day every time I think about you. Remember kid that when I am done with school and am home for good it is game on with basketball, baseball, and of course boxing, even though you will never be able to beat me up. I know I am hard on you sometimes but that’s what I am here for. I want the best for you and I know your going to be 100 times the athlete/person I will ever be. I love you lil man and get ready for boot camp when I am home for good.
Grandma Bev and George: Thank you for being so supportive throughout my career it means the world to me when you guys show up to the ball field. I love you guys.
Nonna: I know that if you could be you would be at all my ball games. Thank you for your love and support over the years. I love you and GO TWINS!
Grandpa Paul and Joe: I know if you guys were here you would be at every game you could. Thanks so much for looking down on me. I love and miss you guys.
Cortney: You are truly something else, and I have never had so much fun being around someone. I am so happy we met each other (Thanks to Megan) and I know you are not here right now but I cant wait for us to be finished with school to see where this relationship can go. There is something about you that makes me so happy and I can’t wait until this distance thing is over.
Coach Winecke: Thank you for giving me the opportunity of being a collegiate baseball player. I know I may make your blood pressure rise on the mound but that’s what you get with me. Your compassion for the game and competiveness is greater than anyone I will ever know. I commend you on your motivation to be the best and I feel like this baseball family is so close to achieving its potential we deserve.
Jake: Thanks for putting the countless hours working with us over the years. If there is one thing I have learned from you it is how to be a competitor on the mound and to leave it all out there.
Schmidty: You have paved the way for all of us who played with you on how to do it the Saint Mary’s way and how to really live it up in college. I can’t wait to hear the stories from Alaska again as well as every other crazy story you have.
Oggie: You are the man. Thanks for putting in your own time in helping this program getting back where it needs to be. Your teaching ability has definitely helped me to become a better player.
Now I would like to thank the fellas who have made this the best 4 years of my life. To the boys who I played with the last 3 years (you know who you are) you are the guys and thanks for the countless memories we have shared. The Tuesday crew has been missed this past year but I am sure that Omaha will get us right back on track.
Ci: My roommate of four years, well actually 3 ½ (kidding). It was fun man we had so great times here. I am sure you can think back and laugh at all of them too. We always talked about how fast these years would go by and now here we are. Thanks for everything and there are definitely more fun times to be had in the future.
Timmy Cahalan: We have been through many years of school together and are one of my best friends. We have been through a lot together and I just wanted to say thanks for always being there for me. I still to this day wish you were out on the mound tossing that untouchable changeup you have but there are a lot more memories to come in the future for us.
Joey O: My roommate for second year, my lone member of the Tuesday crew, and a great friend. We have had some fun times and only more to come. OMAHA, TOWNSHIP, and good ol’ STP watch out!!
Lech: If there were one word to sum you up it would be “GAMER”. I have never played with someone who loved it as much as you. You are a great friend that will continue on for years to come and you better make sure that when Bald Eagle is hot to look me up and I will be out there.
Gary: I don’t think I will ever meet someone like you. As weird as you are; you are the definition of a true friend. The quality I respect most about you is that you would be there for anyone anytime anywhere. We have had some great times kid from the times I drove you and Matty to ball down to Cotter all the way to living together in what I would like to consider the most disgusting house in Winona. Only more to come get your golf game ready for this summer and to run away with the alumni tourney. Oh yeah one more thing STATE CHAMPS BABY!
Andrew “Rew” “Rewdy” “Drew” “9” “Andy”: I know you love all the nicknames (haha). You have one of the qualities I respect the most out of a person and that is telling it how it is. You have been a great friend to me over these 4 years and someone who I could really count on. I hope your ready to dust the sticks off after this is all said and done. The only advice I have for you is to hit the ball harder!!!!
Ruf Daddy: Big fella it has been great getting to know you better over this past year and we have definitely had some good times especially playing hockey and you having to listen to me coming up with business plans at 4 am. You have been a good leader to this team and an even better friend.
Sammy: Were still waiting for that party to be held at your place haha, just messing with you. You are the guy and have proven to everyone that anything can be accomplished in life if you want it that bad.
Tims: Has the Cardinal Club ran out of pizza from you yet? You are a good kid and definitely have been great to be around on and off the field. Thanks for the last 4 years.
To all the underclassmen you better keep taking this program to the next level all of us seniors will be watching and expect great things from you guys. Danny: Too many countless times on the town with you one in particular being “The Gambler” night! I cant wait for more too come. You have been such a fun roommate even though you are barely ever there (kidding) and an even better friend. Curty: STATE CHAMPS BOY! Thanks for being the workhorse you are behind the dish especially to me when I cant seem to find the zone on the 12 to 6. Cod-Piece: OH MY!!!! The kid’s arm is going to fall off! You are the man and I am so glad I have been able to get to know you better and better over the years. Your imitations have given me countless laughs and the times we have had off the field have been unforgettable. Vinny: VINSKI”S!!! Now you are what we would all like to call the man of the world. You are a great kid and a great ball player. Its been awesome getting to play with you these last couple years at the Mary’s and I am sure we will be playing many more with the Township! Edholm, Lars, Biag, Kriegs, Mikey, Ted, Kroney, Servy, Nord, Merk, Debruin, Ross, Schlemm, Hendo, Thel, Paulie one word of advice to you boys is never forget you play this game because you love too and because of the guys that you spend countless hours working your butt off with. Make sure this family is put back in its rightful place in the MIAC and live it up while you’re at it because time goes by fast.
PConns, Suc, Jeff, and Matty You guys have made 323 W Broadway what most people like to call an animal house. It was a blast and I thank you for all the hilarious times.
I guess there is only one thing left to say: In the words of Deion Sanders “Look Good, Feel Good, Feel Good, Play Good, Play Good, Pay Good!”
Thanks, Bogs
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