Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I came from a high school where baseball was very successful. While considering colleges, I wanted to continue in the path of this success. Even though Saint Mary’s had a wonderful academic program, their most recent baseball stats did not make it a school I immediately considered attending. However, after discussing my options with Coach Winecke, I reevaluated my college requirements. Instead of attending a school that was already successful in baseball, I had the opportunity to help make a college baseball program more successful at SMU.

Several of my teammates that stood beside me throughout this journey were not actual baseball players. Two of whom are my wonderful parents, Joe and Terry. You both deserve to be thanked first and are most appreciated for all you have done and will continue to do throughout my life. The support you have shown throughout my baseball career is impressive and has never gone unnoticed. Every time I stepped on the diamond you both were always looked for, you both were always there.

Dad, you taught me everything this beautiful game has to offer and not one of those teachings will ever be forgotten. I cannot express on paper the love and respect I have for you. The countless hours of your life you dedicated to making me better will always be remembered. You and I both know this game is more than just a game. There is incredible relevance between the game of baseball and life itself. Dad, you have not only told me about these relevancies but have proven them to me as well. “If you’re sloppy off the field, you’ll be sloppy on the field.” Dad, you have been saying this to me since I was ten years old and I will remember it forever. The game of baseball is one of immense failure. I have always struggled to accept that. But Dad, you taught me how to turn failure into success and by that, you inspire me to always succeed. You also told me that people thought you were a good coach only because of me. It’s actually probably true. I love you Dad.

Mom, your constant compassion for me has shown brightly throughout my baseball career. You were always there to cheer me up by taking my mind off a poorly played game. I was always quick to get down on myself but you worked hard to throw water on my flaring attitude. I admire your willingness to learn about the game of baseball throughout the entirety of my career. You found a love and interest in watching me play ball and I cannot thank you enough for your support. I remember once, I wanted to quit playing after I started slipping in school and slumping in baseball, you challenged me to stick with it. I will forever appreciate you for that. It made me a better man and a better baseball player. Mom, you created a scrapbook for me encapsulating my baseball career for Christmas a few years ago and I greatly cherish that gift. The memories you were able to capture in that simple scrapbook will forever hold infinite beauty. Mom, I love you. 

Molly, my sister, you have always shown an interest in the game of baseball as well as all the other sports I played. I always dreaded going to your dance recitals because I never considered “dance” a sport. Well, as I am now finishing my Ballet I class this semester, I want to formally apologize. Your ability to live in a household with two other brothers shows immense strength and understanding. You have always been there for me even when I wouldn’t want you to be. You are the best sister in the entire world. You are awesome and pretty and funny and cool. I love you Mol.

Thomas, my brother, thank you for always pushing me to succeed in the sports we both played. Whether it was in the backyard, on the street or field, I always wanted to beat you, always. You never knew how much I looked up to you and how I still continue to do so. Even when you would tell me to “Go Deep!” then run inside the house when I was hundreds of feet away, I still loved you. I am honored to be your best man in your wedding this August. Taking on the role of a husband is another great example you will teach me. I will probably beat you in any sport we will ever play, but only because you taught me to. I love you Thomas.

Victoria, your understanding throughout my baseball career is something wondrous. I thank you greatly for dealing with the complexity of my schedule, always working hard to find time for us. You were never quick to become selfish, but rather willing to respect the obligations that came alongside my sport. You found me in Winona and with that finding, you’ve made my experience at SMU more than one could ask for. I thank you.

Coaches Nick Winecke and Pat Jacobson, you both have done great things at SMU in the short amount of time you have been here. You certainly have found an alternative way to building a program. I’m incredibly glad with my decision to play for you both at SMU. You have strengthened my belief in this program by mending the build of our culture. Many will never know what went on in the team locker room, nor do they deserve to. You both taught life lessons through baseball which is something not every coach can do. I can only hope my effort aided in the continued success of the SMU baseball program.

To my fellow seniors, we certainly have been a part of a paradigm shift here at SMU. Not one of us quit on believing in change, not one of u, instead we embraced it. I’d liked to say we started this change, we lead this change. There is something special in our group, something unique and I can say we were truly a part of something that will stick in the SMU baseball program for many years to come. I love you guys and I never could imagine the great things we’ve done without you.

Pauli, you have always kept me on my toes in every conversation, for we like to have a lot of them. I always enjoy our talks whether it’s over politics, how clean or unclean Krieger is, or the obvious, tomorrow’s baseball lineup. You have a good heart, you’re smart and people listen to you, that’s a combination for a leader Paul and I know you will continue to exemplify that on and off the baseball field.

Kriegs, you are the team’s most fun kid to be around and you always put me in a good mood whenever I’m with you. I cannot say how ironic it is that we have rekindled our lives back, once again, on the baseball diamond. I’ll forever cherish our friendship and I know we’ll be friends till the day we die.

Zach, I am so glad Paul, Kriegs and myself got you to finally open up and be yourself. I only hope the conversations of Paul, Krieger, and I did not ruin you entirely. You’re a good kid Z and a hard worker. Keep playing this game hard, taking hacks, and it will come to you.

Gannon, I know you will look back in future time and know you made the best decision of your life joining our team. You’re a great baseball player Kev, you lead by example and never forget that. I will always remember our friendship along with the long list of macroscopic vocabulary words.

Merkle, You are the best and worst homework buddy a man can ever have. You’re an incredibly hard worker and you have a love for the game that many others lack. Keep working hard Merkle and I know you’ll gain the confidence you deserve. I’ll forever miss our “GD” nights but always remember that damn room.

Schlem, Thanks for always stirring up controversial topics consistently. Chara will always beat Howard. You’re an incredibly strong kid Schlem and you may be 6’4 but I mean that emotionally. What you are going through is one of the toughest things any young man has to face. I cannot express how much we all miss your illuminating personality but also, the balls you hit over the fence. I hope the best for you and your family.

Thele, Thanks for going to war with me in any PR assignments that Schild gave us. You’re a good writer and a better friend. You have shown great improvements on the diamond and its admiring to see you progress throughout your years at SMU. I’ll see you on the links kid.

Barry, you also have shown great improvement but yours came within just one year of playing collegiate baseball. I always saw you hitting off the tee in the cage and you’re having a great year because of it.

Chubs, you bring a great sense of comfort to our team. Your great personality always puts me in a good mood and you’re never shy in helping a teammate out. Your teammates owe you a lot Chubs, make sure they return the favor. All these qualities make up the great person you are and will be.

Tyler, you have grown so much in maturity but mainly on the mound. You keep it loose on the bench and keep it that way. I always feel comfortable when you step on the hill and when you take a breath after every pitch I know you do to.

Dens, you’re another young player that has shown great improvement. Keep hitting the ball hard and keep gaining confidence on the diamond. Confidence will carry you far Drew and although you’re quite at times, I know you are always working your tail off.

Regs, you’re an outstanding kid. You’re incredibly attentive and you’re someone who truly trusts in the process. Continue to trust in the work you put in Pat. Also, I will make certain you get fined every time, for you know what, in all locker room court sessions.

To all of you 18 freshmen and newcomers, (Miles, Willie, Scats, Jons, Powers, Zaps, Rollie, Peder, Daws, Ram, Ketch, Whitey, Reds, Baab, Cale, Rayce, Frost, Serres, & Keys,) wow there’s a lot of you. I can only hope your first year at SMU and in the baseball program have been a new and fresh start to the rest of your lives. I was in your shoes not too long ago and trust me it’s all going to be okay. Remember to breathe a little. My advice is to abuse the town of Winona. Its small yes, but it’s a great city boys, a beautiful city. Go out, have fun, find something new in this small town because I promise at the end of your time at SMU, you’ll all miss it. Work hard, you only get to do college once. Become the best person and baseball player you can be. You all have potential guys, it’s only a question of how bad do you want to exercise that potential. Don’t ever drift apart from each other boys, don’t ever! The day you stop believing in one another, stop caring for each other, or start fighting with each other is the day you lose 20 games. Be the person that mends the team together for a team that is apart will never accomplish their goals, never.

Scotty, Ricky and Joe, you have dedicated so much of your personal time to help our baseball program succeed. You were always there to help our team in anything we needed and you always brought a good attitude to practice/games. All three of you deserve at least one start especially scotty, he practically does every drill with us anyway.

Thank you to all that have enjoyed my Senior Salute. I want to let everyone know it was a privilege and an honor to attend and play for the SMU Cardinals. I know I will miss playing ball and being a Cardinal. Well its time for me to go so I’ll leave you all with this,

“You might not know where you're going until you get there,”
-Yogi Berra