Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, and with this being my last year here at Saint Mary’s, in no way does that mean it will all come to an end. I can’t begin to explain to you how much of an impact baseball has had on my life. Growing up I never could imagine that this game would’ve taken me this far. I’ve learned so much about myself as a person through all of the great people I’ve met along the way and with the competitive drive baseball brings out in me I’ve become much stronger as a person. I’ve always been determined to prove to myself that I had what it took to compete on the same level as everyone else, whether it was in baseball or in life in general, having the drive to persevere has always helped me stay on my feet after both have seemed to knock me down.
I want to first take the time to thank the two most important people in my life. Mom and Dad, both of you have done so much for me over the years and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for all of your love and support. From all of the hours spent playing catch in the backyard, long road trips to tournaments, and just being there for me through all of the tough times. There’s no way that I would’ve had the opportunity to continue to play the game I truly love all of these years if it wasn’t for the both of you. I am so grateful for your continuous support over the years even though I may not show it all of the time. All of the hours put in tearing up our backyard, and dents on the garage have really paid off and I want to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart.
Now onto my time here at Saint Mary’s. It sure has flown by, but all of the experiences I’ve had here with all of the great people I’ve met along the way I will never forget. I want to thank Coach Whaley and Benji for giving me the opportunity to continue to play the game I love at a high level. Coach Winecke, I want to thank you for all of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into this program and pushing me to my potential. Coach Jake, my experience on this pitching staff wouldn’t have been the same without you. From your inspiring speeches before games to all of your hard work you put in each day with our crazy pitching staff, I want to thank you for pushing each of us to be the players you know we can be. Sure going to miss all of the great times, and I wish all of you nothing but the best of luck in the coming years.
To all of my teammates who have graduated before me. I want to thank you for all of the great times both on and off the field. Each have made my experience here at school one that I will never forget. Swenny, Kruse, Willy, Fersch, Krause, Dave and Arch (who I’ll get to later) you guys have really made my time here at school some of the best years of my life and I hope we can share more memories together. Coming to school here, I wasn’t sure how I would fit in but each one of you and all my other teammates have made me feel right at home being part of this baseball family.
To all of the seniors, going through each year with you guys has been a real treat. Through all of the tough times we’ve stuck together and it made this experience that much better with all of your support. Timmons, feels like yesterday we were taking home all those trophies for traveling ball, it’s been great being on the same team with you all these years. Joey O, all of your hard work time put into this team is very admirable and I will never forget all of the crazy stories I’ve overheard on the long bus trips.
Gary, sure chiefy..through all of the HBP’s and crazy dugout antics, I know my experience here at school wouldn’t have been the same without you. Never heard so many different things shouted out from the dugout that usually never made sense, but you always knew how to keep everyone upbeat and not get down from some of the fun-filters and how the games were going.
Rew, all of your hard work and passion for the game has helped me to bring that same passion each day no matter how things are going. Been a real treat getting to know you more and more since our days in benilde.
Boges, never met someone with more passion for the game and I’ll never forget all of the great times we’ve shared together. Sure happy you decided to stick it out one more year and this team has really benefited from that, I know it wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks for being such a great friend all of these years.
Lechner, through all of the great times in Benilde drinking all of herold’s water, to rooming with you down at 785, it’s been awesome getting to know you over these years and your passion and determination has pushed me each year to become better.
Ruf, don’t even know where to start..never knew our friendship would be where it is today and I know I might have gotten myself into a little trouble if you weren’t there to remind me to keep my mouth shut sometimes. My experience both on this team and living in 785 wouldn’t have been the same without you. From all of our trips to T Bell, Pizza Hut buffet, and all of the great times at practice I’ll never forget. Just hope one day you can get over all of the one-on-one games of being schooled in the rac, and you’re welcome for teaching you how to throw in the show. Guess I owed you for all of the info you’ve been feeding me for other things. I really appreciate how much of a friend you’ve been for me over the years, but just try and keep the giggling down for once.
Curt, Servy, and Max, I want to thank you guys for all of the hard work you put in each day at practice working with the pitchers. I’m sorry for all of the change-ups or curveballs I’ve bounced in the dirt over the years but you guys have pushed me to become a better pitcher and I really appreciate everything you guys do for the team.
To the original 785..Dave, Arch, Dj, Dusty, can’t tell you how much I miss each one of you. My experience here both at school and all of the crazy times we’ve shared together is something I’ll never forget. From all of Dave’s 2.0 moments, the ground and pound, subway bags, “hockey” games, Dave hiding in the luggage, walking home, deleting Dave’s franchise, running through the backwoods of Winona, I could go on for hours. You guys are truly my best friends and I can’t wait to share more memories together, Vegas Baby!!!
To all of the great people I’ve met throughout my years here at school, I can’t believe it’s coming to an end but I will never forget all of the great times we’ve shared and I will always cherish the friendships I’ve developed and everything I’ve learned has made me the person I am today. Emily, it really has been a great few months (3 years) getting to know you more and more. I really do appreciate everything you have done for me and for all of the great memories we’ve had together. You’re always there for me whenever I need it and I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
I could go on for days about how much I’m going to miss this experience and all of the great people I’ve met along the way. It’s hard to put into words how much I appreciate all of the love and support I’ve received from my family, friends, and teammates over the years. Sad to say that it’s coming to an end, but I know all of the things I’ve learned will help me reach my dreams. Thanks for everyone who has made my experience here at school one that I will never forget. |
