Wow! It feels like I was just walking out to fall-ball as a freshman yesterday. Well, turns out its four years later and I’m on my way out the door. The experiences of being a college baseball player here at Saint Mary’s have been remarkable. Having an opportunity to be a college athlete is one thing not everyone gets to have, and thankfully I was. Without baseball at college I would be lost, especially without the guys. The individuals who have come through the program and will continue through the program have a charisma not everyone understands. Baseball is a weird sport where as a hitter it’s okay to fail 7 times out of 10, and can sometimes be hard for people like me to fathom. But situations like this are when the team aspect of the game is so important, and has taught me to deal with failure.
Chief and Mom- Dad, thanks for all the support and coaching throughout my younger playing days. Your continual advice always helped me keep baseball and reality in check , which is obviously an issue for me sometimes. Mom I always enjoyed seeing you at games because once the game was over it was out of sight, out of mind win or lose. Throughout my upbringing I always knew I could look up to both of you. I love both of you so much and know you are always there when I need you!!
Grandma and Grandpa- Thank you so much for cutting your winter in Florida short every year to come freeze your butt off watching me play baseball in Minnesota. I always looked forward to the later games when the two of you make the trip down from the cabin. My roommates were always excited when you made it back too, because we knew we would have some cookies or cake for a couple days at the house. Thank you so much for the support and love you so much.
Grandma- I am very grateful for your help and support with my college education. I am so excited for the opportunity you have to spoil another grandchild! Thank you so much for all you and grandpa did for me over the years. I love you!
Liz- Sometimes I’m not sure how you put up with me, but you find a way to do it. You have a great knack of keeping me in check, which is always necessary. We have so many fun memories I will never forget. Thanks for all the fun and support. I appreciate all you’ve done for me!!
Coach Whaley- I wanted to thank you for giving me a chance to play baseball at the collegiate level. You have probably forgotten more about the game of baseball than I will ever know and you have taught me a lot. I wish you the best at Cotter High School.
Coach- Since the day you took over the position as head coach, your passion and drive for the game has not flawed once. I know sometimes I’m a handful, but you found a way to deal with it I don’t know how. The program over the last three years has continued to improve from your dedication and passion. Continue to give it all you got and good things will happen! Relax with the purple craze too…
Coach Jake- Besides going to a great high school, your love of the game continues to show each and every game. You always find a way to get the team excited to play the game everyday no matter the circumstances. Keep working hard and things will be great.
Coach Chaddy- Your experience and knowledge has helped me so much in the short period of time we’ve been together. The team has benefitted so much from your presence over the past year and appreciates the time you take out of your life to make us better.
Big Daddy- How many hours are we going to spend on Lastic this semester? Thank god the days in Gilmore are over when I thought you were some WSU football player causin trouble up on the hill. Your friendship has been very important throughout my college career. Your tutoring sessions and dinner runs after practice were great. We have had some memories I will never forget, and hope there are many more to come. Thank you very much for all you’ve done, and Erica too.
Bogs- Didn’t seem long ago I was spending every other night in your dorm instead of mine. Your friendship has been remarkable during our college experience. You always found a way to get me to relax after a couple rough at-bats which has been much appreciated. Your demeanor will allow you to be a very successful individual in whatever you do. Remember this summer, every other weekend! Our current and future memories will continue. Hey, don’t be afraid to lose a few!!
Gary- Our outfield antics during practice every day were a blast. Being a two sport college athlete can be dragging sometimes, but each year you found a way to do it and that is great. Our memories on and off the field will never be forgotten, or even in class for that matter.
Lech- Your baseball mentality is great because you go hard no matter the situation from base running drills to playing catch. Your improvement over the years has been fun to watch and your hard work paid off. Players look up to you every day because of your passion for everything you do. Our times at the house were unforgettable!
Scooter/Scoots/Scooty- It’s too bad we had to take it to Ruf so often in the show, but someone had to. Being your neighbor both at home and in the library was great. I always knew if you weren’t at home you were at the library. Somehow even when the library was closed you found your way in. Our hockey nights have been a blast, but stay out of the penalty box please.
Joey- Your hard work and dedication has never been doubted. These traits will continue to follow you in your future successes. On the other hand you and oner need to give the purple a rest once in a while. Thanks for providing so many nights of hospitality at your place, or should I say Bogie’s place.
Slim Tim- Is the cardinal club out of pizza yet? If so try McDonalds. Your pitching and baseball knowledge has grown so much over the last four years, and has been fun to watch. You have a great opportunity at Fastenal, do the most with it. Don’t throw your arm out over the summer by throwing 200 pitches a game please!
Curt- “A ground ball down the third base line, and oh my it hits the third base bag again.” It’s been an interesting year down at the place. Without your presence I would feel alone in the basement. Our late nights writing songs will pay off someday with our one-hit-wonder. Your baseball talent has been very admirable for so many people who have played with you. Keep up the intensity and hard work, because you have an opportunity to do special things. Did you get that screen through the RAC door yet? Seriously though, I gotta go, it’s Curt-thirty.
Cody- Yup, Yup, Yup. Your right. You are. At least I had one sane roommate to hang out with down at the place. Our TV dates were absolutely ridiculous and sometimes too long for our own good. Your family has been great to have around and it was great to know if we ever needed anything they were there. Tell Jessa to relax and quit bringing so many friends over. Your intensity on the diamond was intriguing as a teammate. Whenever you were between the lines you gave it all you had until the last out was recorded. Thanks for all the memories, they will never be forgotten. Let’s get down to the boat house and siphon some water.
Scotty-It’s people like you who bring a smile to my face when I walk through the gate to the Max. Your support and help throughout the season has been remarkable as a player. Keep up the hard work, and keep Cody and Edholm on task in Calc.
Krause- The last two years I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. We never had an difficulties, besides the dishes. You’ve taught me so much about baseball and life in general. My favorite part about you is your ability to do everything you do the best you can. An individual like you never takes anything you do, or can do for granted. Thank you for all the memories!!
To the rest of the team- Baseball is something I never could have had without all of you. Never take baseball and the opportunity you have at Saint Mary’s for granted! All of you have so many skills that will help you on and off the field. If you all continue to bring the passion you do to baseball to everything you do in life, you will all be successful. Keep after your school work and baseball and good things will come!
Thanks to all whom I have not mentioned around the Saint Mary’s community. This is a great place to be a part of and have gained lasting memories and friendships I will never lose.
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