I would like to thank the most important people in my life, who have always been there for me and are always willing to do anything to help me succeed. These people are my family, especially my mother, sister, and grandfather. Whenever it was possible for them to come to a game, they would be there always cheering me and the rest of the team on. I want to thank my mother and sister even more than they can imagine — no matter what happened in the game, they would always have something to talk about. Even if the game didn’t go the way we wanted it to, they would always talk about something else. I will never forget the times that my mom took me out to the ball park to take batting practice — if I remember right, we didn’t even have one baseball, they were either a foam or rubber ball, but I didn’t care, I had a chance to play. I will never forget my sister always wearing her shirt that said “David’s sister” growing up. Finally, my grandfather, who was at almost every single game from little league all the way through college. He was the one that I could always hear, whether it was him yelling or whistling. I will always be in debt to you guys for supporting me. Thank you!
My four years at SMU went too quick. Freshman year, I don’t think there was a dull moment with Brandon, Schmidty, Krieger, Merk, and Satoshi — by the way thanks for the nickname, it’s stuck all the way through, Tosh. One of the things that really stuck out freshman year was the bus ride down to Florida, which took 24 hours. Going to Fort Myers and seeing Joe Nathan wearing some sort of a monkey backpack as he walked into Hammond Stadium. Being able to see the Twins in spring training — and playing th Twins rookie league team — was an experience. DD and Arch always getting into it, it was surprising if at least one of them weren’t beaked every day.
I would like to thank the SMU program and the alums for all their support over the years, as well as everyone else that has been involved with the program during the past four years.
Joey O, as Gary says “do it for your people”… Gary, I don’t think there was a single day where you didn’t make at least half the team laugh, surely going to miss that. Sammy, it’s been a good run, from playing with you from little league until now, I feel privileged to have played with you this long. Ruf, just watch out for summer ball, we commin! Lech, don’t dive head first! Oh and smile every once in a while. Rew, I know that all the jokes you played on us will not be forgotten. Boges, keep bringing the hammer and best of luck.
To my fellow seniors, it’s been a great four years and I’m proud to say to have been in your class, best of luck after graduation, if you keep the same passion for work as you have for baseball you will succeed.
Max “Johnson” Ferguson, all I have to say is HOWWWWLLLL!!! And get ready to dominate this summer. Teddy, just don’t watch too much Mike Tyson videos. “Now we go Krone!!” Will, keep chucking that ball. Merk if I see you without your sunglasses on, I will be disappointed. Krieger family it’s been good playing with you guys and sort of scary at the same time. Nord watch out for those short hops and keep doing your “deal.” Biagi, good luck your next three years, now with Gary not being here you might be able to take over as the fastest pitcher on the staff. “Yo yo yo” Vinny. Cody and Curt better make sure the locker room doesn’t get boring with Rew, Gary, and Boges leaving. Ross get better man.
I would like to especially thank the people at Fastenal for being very flexible with my work schedule while in season, it means a lot.
A thanks to Coach Whaley for recruiting me, it was tough to see you leave after my freshman year, but the year that we did have was a fun year. Thank you coach Jake, these last two years have been a good time. One thing that I think that you do a great job of is listening to us and at least trying what we suggest — this made us feel like we were more involved in what we did that I have ever felt. Coach Ogden Thanks for coming to SMU for my senior year and helping us get better. Coach Winecke, thank you for giving me a chance, best of luck next year. Scottie, keep up your positive attitude and you will go far in life!
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my life and that have supported me during my life and especially baseball. Good luck next year, SMU baseball, and just keep playing your game.
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