Sam Bids Farewell
It feels like just yesterday I was pulling up to Benilde Hall in my Saturn Vue playing I Love College by Asher Roth ready to start my freshman year. It’s really hard to think I’m writing this now with only two weeks left here at SMU. I remember the first thing I did after unpacking was run out to the baseball field with Tessmer and play catch while Coach Winecke was working on the field. I don’t think I have ever been so excited to play a game of catch. Throwing the ball around and looking up at the bluffs surrounding the campus was an amazing feeling that I’ll never forget. What made these four years so special were by far the teammates I had the honor to share a field and locker room with. I’ve been on some special teams before college but none of them compare to the bonds I had with each guy that has been in the program.
I would like to thank the Seniors — Teddy, Servy, Tessmer, Sean, Krone, Mike, and Vince for being such an awesome group of guys both on and off the field. Their dedication to the game made it easy for me to enjoy going out to the baseball field every day. (I put Vince last because he went to Cretin-Derham Hall.) Just kidding!
It’s too bad Coach Whaley wasn’t here all four years while I was here at SMU; however, I’m very thankful for having him here for my senior year and I hope he stays on as a coach because he makes the program that much better.
I would like to thank Coach Jacobsen for being such an awesome pitching coach. I really learned a lot about pitching and I don’t think I would have been as successful during my time here if Coach Jake wasn’t part of the program. I can honestly say he has put up with a lot of my sense of humor during my time here. I just hope next year he will miss hearing one my hilarious jokes!
I would like to thank Coach Winecke for both giving me an opportunity to be part of the program and for going out of his way to help me succeed both on and off the field. You can tell he puts his heart and soul into the program and it shows through the character guys we have on the team and the steady improvement in the win column.
Most importantly, I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for everything they have done for me in baseball. I know for a fact I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them driving me to practice, buying me gear, etc… They are truly my two biggest fans and being able to share my love of the game with them has been a dream come true. I have experienced many ups and downs in the game and they have always been there for support and tell me they’re proud. I love you mom and dad and again thanks for everything!
Last but not least I want to thank the student body at SMU for coming out to watch our games and supporting us. It’s been awesome seeing you guys in the stands watching us play and we appreciate you for it!
Thanks again everyone for helping make this an experience of a lifetime!
