It’s hard to imagine how different my life is going to be once I graduate, not only because I’ll be off to the “real world”, but also baseball will no longer be a priority to me. Baseball has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a little kid. I never thought while I was playing baseball at a younger level that I would ever get the privilege to play in college, and I am so thankful I got that opportunity. Although my baseball career is quickly coming to an end, I have had the best four years playing at SMU. From my freshman year to now, it is amazing how much the team has grown and I am thankful for all the everlasting friendships that I have made in the process. To my family, friends, teammates and coaches, without you I would not of been able to have the four best years of my life here at SMU.
Mom- You have always been there to me no matter what the circumstance brings, the support that you have shown me throughout my life really helped me get through all of the good and the bad times that I have came across in my life. I wish you knew how much I appreciate all that you have done for me and how much you mean to me. I love you very much and I appreciate all that you have taught me in life.
Dad- You have been one of the biggest influences in my life. You have given me all the tools to become the baseball player and the person I am today. While growing up I could not have asked for a better coach, even though at the time I wondered why you were always the hardest on me and I thank you for that because without you I would not be where I am at today. I remember all the countless memories of you hitting ground balls to me, throwing me batting practice, and always going out to lunch afterwards. I will hold on and cherish those memories for the rest of my life.
Kelly- I am blessed to have a sister that cares about as me as much as you do. Throughout my life you have always wished me to succeed whether it be in school or athletics. I love you and thanks for all the support that you have given me, it really helped me cope with many obstacles that I have endured throughout my life.
Timmy - Even though you are six years younger than me, I consider you one of my best friends. All the countless sports that we have competed in throughout the years really brought us closer together as friends and as brothers. I wouldn’t trade the relationship that we have for anything in the world. Although you are getting older, you have yet to beat me at basketball haha but I know one day I will chasing you up and down the court. Keep up the hard work, it will pay off.
Tara- You have been by my side since day one and I am so lucky that I can call you my best friend and my girlfriend. I couldn’t imagine where I would be in my life without you, you have taught me so much about myself and about life. You are the one person that can always cheer me up. I have never met anyone quite like you, your an amazing person and am so glad that we have the great relationship we have today. You mean the world to me and I am so excited what we have in store for the future. I love you Tar. I would also like to thank the Bassi family for all their support they have given me.
The graduates of ’11: Gary, Pat, Matt, Lukas, Kelsey & Rachel: This year was definitely not the same without you guys, but I’m so lucky that we all have the friendship with one another that we do. Every moment we have together is ridiculous and I couldn’t ask for a better group of friends. Gary you have definitely taught me a lot and have been there for me through the thick and the thin. The friendship that we have developed will last a lifetime, thanks for everything G- Baby. P.S. when are you moving to Chicago?? Pat, A.K.A. Drama, we for sure have some ridiculous memories starting in Benilde all the way up to 323 W. Broadway. I am excited for the summer when we can play 16’’ and just go to Lawler’s. Stay hot kid. Matt man, we have had some good memories together, the ground round night, New Year’s Eve just to name a few. I cherish that the friendship that I have made with you in the past 4 years and I know that we will keep those memories going into the future. I love you guys.
All the clowns at 620 W. 5th, we have had a fun year together and I know there will many good times ahead.
Coaches: Coach Wineke, thanks for the great four years, this program is headed in the right direction thanks to all of the work you have instilled into us players. I appreciate all you have taught me about baseball and most importantly about life. Throughout the 4 years, you have taught me many valuable lessons that will help me throughout the next stage(s) of my life. Thank you for everything. Coach Jacobsen thanks for the chance at pitching after bugging you about it for the past 3 year’s haha. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this program to get us to be better baseballs players, and better people. Coach Rob, although you have only coached me for one year, I have had a great experience and would like to thank you.
Last but certainly not least, my teammates. I have never been closer to a group of guys before and I thank you each individually for making my last year at SMU the best one yet.
Seniors: We have been through a lot these past 4 years and there are not a better group people to go through it with. Curt, we have had some countless memories together, I couldn’t ask for a better teammate that would put the team’s success over his own. You are a great friend and I cherish all the memories that we have had together and look forward to continuing them in the future. Maxy, I will miss coming into the locker room every day to laugh to one of your jokes; you have a great sense of humor that is very unique. I am thankful for being your teammate these past 4 years.
Juniors: These past three years that we have spent together has created many friendships that I will never forget. Keep up the good work and the leadership to bring this program to where it’s supposed to be. Mikey, figure it out when it comes to NHL, I will miss the times and the conversations that we have had in the past 3 years. Our friendship has grown tremendously, can’t wait to visit you in Prescott this summer. Vinny D, I am glad we got to spend the last 3 years together as teammates; I will miss the friendship that we have developed, and the random comments and conversations that we have in between innings and in between pitches haha. Teddy, you and Tyler really have to find a new game to play in between games haha. I have really enjoyed the time we have spent together especially all the quotes from movies we rehearse during practices and games. “Hey SERVVV deals, your deal is here” you are easily one of the funniest kids I have ever met and u made my experience at Saint Mary’s even better especially when I hear the Hey Dan every day in Saint Mary’s hall. Tess, I am honored to have played with you these past couple years, I know you will miss me writing a good morning note outside your room in Joes. Krone, would you relax on the Dews already, it was really great getting to you know you these past 3 years. NOW WE GO. Nord, keep the hard work; you can really be a big asset to this team next year. Minder, you truly need to find new headphones, because those fines rack up pretty fast.
Sophomores: Pauly, Even though you are the biggest smartass on the team, I have enjoyed playing up the middle with you. Keep up the hard work. Would you rake sometimes over at second huh? Thel, “That’s Niccee” I am going to miss all of the deep talks we would have over at short these past 2 years. If one of us has had a bad day whom are we going to complain to now? Bia, we have had some good times this year to say the least, it has been great getting closer to you this year. Have the legend of poop tooth live on. Krieger, I am going to miss rooming with you in AZ, staying up late eating sour patches and chewy lifesavers while watching you tube videos. One thing that needs to go is the thug boyzz hahaha. Edholm, the old bearded musky, I will miss the friendship that we have created the past 2 years even though you still owe me for not inviting me down to the complex that one time. Keep Krieger and Paul in line next year will yah. Schlem Millz, Keep up the swag and the plus evo kidd, you have been a great teammate but an even better friend, thanks for the memories. Cut down on the irrelevant arguments, Chara over Howard. Zach, When I first met you during fall ball you were the quietest kid out of any of us but as time passed you have really came out of your shell and have been a really good friend and teammate. YAH KNOW. Merky Waters, All the talks we would have when we were partners for the toss drills and rooming with you in AZ for 2 years will be something I will never forget. You are the only person that I have ever met that wears the most random shirts under your jersey “Man at Work”. Will, I know what you will miss, you will miss me throwing the ball at you every time after 3 barrel throwing. Keep up the good work, it will pay off kid. Scotty, Thanks for all the time you have put in for this program and me.
Frosh: Gannon, It all started two years ago when you came on the recruiting trip to, from that point on I knew we would become good friends. Glad you came to your senses when transferring to SMU. I am pumped to play with the infamous Chicago Avalanche with you this summer. See you in Chicago. Tyler: “And now batting number 14, Ted.” The random announcing that we did during games, us sleeping in the little twin in benilde, the stupid talks we have on the mound when your pitching is what I am going to cherish. I will be up next year to come visit you clowns in the old. Barry, one day you will pay for all the times you tricked me on the stupid pound it, whether it be this year or 10 years down the road. Drew, Watch out for the stuff out on the infield, you never know when it’s going to get you. Hashtag. Merkel, I enjoyed rooming with you in AZ and the weird talks we would have before we went to bed (Krieger and Merk knows what I am talking about) relax dugout bandit. Sanderson, The next couple years you have to keep Merkel in line, work hard but watch out for those shin splints. Regan, you have a lot of potential to be a great pitcher in the program. Keep up the hard work. P.S. Keep away from those girls
I have truly had the time of my life at Saint Mary’s and am grateful for every moment spent here. Although baseball is coming to an end, I am positive the friendships I made here will last forever. Thank you for everyone who has been apart of my journey, I appreciate all of you and only hope for the best. |
