Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I find it really hard to believe that my time at SMU has just a couple of weeks left. It seems like just yesterday that my parents were dropping me off at Benilde Hall for my first college semester. It is even harder to believe that my baseball career is winding down. This game has been such a big part of my life since I was a little kid, and I will miss it dearly. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have had to play baseball at SMU. Being able to represent this great university and throw on Cardinal Red every day is something that I will always take pride in.
  
I would like to start by thanking my family, especially my parents, John and Sheila. You guys have always been my biggest supporters, and have made all of my successes on and off of the baseball field a possibility. Dad, thank you for always pushing me in everything I do. All of the hard work that you put me through has helped me to maximize my potential as a baseball player, and more importantly a person. Whether it was playing catch in the front yard, taking me to the batting cages, or hitting me ground balls, you always tried to make me better. Your genuine interest in my life is what I appreciate most about you. Mom, thank you for being the best role model I could ask for. You are an extremely busy, hard-working person, yet you always find time to cheer me up when I need you. The selflessness that you practice on a daily basis is something I really admire. I hope that one day I can care for my children the way that both of you do. I love you guys more than words can express, thanks for everything.
    
To my siblings, Rob, Gina and Connor, thanks for always being there. You have all sat through countless hours of baseball games over the years, always pulling for me. Connor – You are probably the person I am closest with in this world. Looking forward to coming home this summer and spending time with you and the gang back home. Gina – I am glad you got to watch some of my final games. You have been a great role model for me my entire life, and I know that distance won’t change our relationship. Rob – I don’t think there has been one season where you haven’t been in the stands watching my baseball games. I appreciate the fact that you are always willing to take the time out of your day to support me.
    
Coach Winecke – Thank you for everything you have done over the past 4 years. I believe that I have matured a lot both on and off the field since I was a freshman, and I have you to thank for that. I have developed a love for this game over the past 4 years that I could not have imagined I would have when I first arrived in Winona. Your passion and excitement for the game is admiring, and is something that we all appreciate. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take part of this great tradition, I will miss every minute of it.
    
Coach Jake – Sorry the whole pitching thing didn’t really work out… but let’s be real, I think we can both admit it is better this way. You have a great sense of humor and have an ability to relate to players which I believe is vital for a coaching staff. I always look forward to our frustrated talks about the Gopher Hockey team choking, as depressing as that is. Cut back a bit on the energy drinks and Tbell, this program needs you in top shape.
    
Coach Whaley – Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help out. You have a great knowledge of the game that we all benefit from, me included. It has been a privilege to play for you the past couple of years.
    
Sully – Thanks for being my best friend here at SMU. I will never forget our countless bro chat’s and all-nighty’s. Can’t wait to head back to the tourney next year, and every year after. We might have to mix in a wrestling match next winter if the Gophs and Sioux meet up again. Always remember: Sue is a girl’s name.
    
Tessy – Strike 3! Really looking forward to coaching this summer with you, and for the nights in the garage. Thanks for all the memories we shared in 201 and back home. You might want to work on the golf game so that you can hang with the boys. “So, what’s your favorite country song?”
    
Serv – “It’s the wrong bag!” You are definitely one of a kind four-sev. This year has not been the same without your scaps and one-liners. Just move to the cities already so the gang can be reunited.
  
 “Callahan!”
  
 To my fellow seniors – it has been one crazy ride. I can’t imagine a better group of guys to share my final year with. It has been fun watching all of you mature over the four years, as baseball players and as people. I hope that the bonds we have built will stick with us for the rest of our lives.
    
Paulie – You have been an incredible teammate and leader of this team. I will never forget our time together wearing Cardinal Red, and Merchant Blue. You are the first guy to come to everyone’s aid when they need it, and that tells a lot about the person you are. Your intelligence and maturity will allow you to be successful at whatever you do. Osceola baby.
    
Wolfe – Ponies! I am so glad that you decided to transfer to SMU and be a part of this team. You are a very talented baseball player with a humble and kind personality. You also are one of the only people I know that can level Paulie with your sense of humor; I think we can all agree we needed that. Stay in touch kid.
    
Waters – Hey Mark Martin. Thanks for bringing your absolute best to the ballpark each and every day. Your work ethic inspires all of us to battle. I am so happy that you have gotten a chance to show your ability this year, you deserve it. Try not to be too upset when the Avs get eliminated this year. P.S. – Nascar is not a sport.
  
 
Krieger – Oh what up PK? You are hands down one of the funniest kids I have ever met. You provide us all with entertainment on a daily basis without trying, always keeping the mood light. I hope you succeed in the rap game, but if not, I’m sure a clothing line will suffice.
    
Gannon – Hey Jared. Adding you to this program sophomore year was a huge step for this program. You brought a big bat to the lineup, and a great personality that we all enjoy being around. I will definitely miss our Chel battles and zones in Joe’s. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.
    
Scotty – The amount of time you have spent making this baseball team better over the past four years is incredible. You have a passion for the game that is inspiring and contagious. I know you will be successful in life because of your willingness to work hard every single day. Best of luck, buddy!
    
Schlemdog – I’d first like to settle this argument once and for all: Chara > Howard. Even though they drive me crazy, I may actually miss your incredibly biased opinions. You have a really warm personality, and I know we will always be close. Lay off the H & R’s and hit the forearms hard in the off-season. “Tell your boy to keep his head up and he won’t have to worry about it”.
    
Big Bar – Hey BAUWY. Even though you still aren’t man enough to admit I am a better golfer than you, I consider you one of my closest friends. I am glad we got to know each other well over the past few years. Have a great senior season, hold down the middle infield for me.
    
Big Merk – Man, I will miss all of your inside jokes. We have had some great times over the past few years, and our fair share of laughs. Keep getting live in the weight room and have a big senior year on the mound. Support?
    
Drew and Regan – Thanks for all of your hard work. Although you both are quiet, you lead by example. You both have great skill sets and will be big assets for this program next year. Regs, make sure Drew’s bold Twitter statements don’t get too out-of-hand next year.
    
Miley Bros – Two biggest legends on campus. Kev, I’m glad you decided to come here and play ball. You are an extremely easy person to get along with, and always brighten my day when I see you. Joe, I think it’s time to move on from the big 2-5. Sometimes it’s just not in the cards, man.
    
Rolly and Frosty –You guys may have lived in Hillside this year, but I consider you both my roommates. Rolly, even though you aren’t very strong, we can still be friends. “Don’t poke the sleeping bear”. Frost, thanks for challenging me every day at short. You are one of the strongest defensive players I’ve ever played with, 2nd smoothest.
    
Big Pete – Thanks for bringing the energy big dog. I love hearing “Smooth” from the dugout. Make some trips to the cities this summer, I know the Hulk would appreciate it.
    
Willie and Cale – Hey dustballs. Willie, still mad at you for never letting the flow reach its full potential. Cale, you are probably the worst laundry man in the history of this program. Best of luck in PR the next couple of years, make sure to keep me caught up on Dean’s jokes.
    
Red Dog – Keep Sully in line next year. I am glad we got a chance to be close this year, and know we will keep in touch down the road. Better keep working on your Ping-Pong game because I’m comin’.
    
Team Osseo – I will miss you guys a lot. Benny, I cannot wait to get out at Edinburgh, even though I will probably be spending the whole day in the sand. Oriole, keep doing your thing on the baseball field. You have proven yourself this year and I know you will continue to get better. Those mosquitos will get you, eh?
  
Dawson – Keep working hard and developing, and you will find success the next couple of years. You have an absolute hammer of a breaking ball, just glad I don’t have to face you.
    
Scatty, Powers, Ricky – “Gotta get ‘er goin’ faster, MORE SPEED!” You guys all bring a hard-nosed mentality to the game that we all feed off of. I will have to make a trip down to Chi-Town in the near future to get my fill of all these great restaurants. Ricky, try not to burn this place down, Mr. President.
    
Ram and Ketch – I wish I could have gotten to know both of you better. You are great guys and both do a phenomenal job buying into your roles. It is because of you guys that we are able to maintain our strong team dynamic.
    
Freshmen – This class is full of characters that all bring something different to the table. Buerkle – You are one of the most talented players I have had the privilege of playing with. I find your humility while experiencing success inspiring. Keep hitting the ball, and don’t be afraid to throw some wrist tape on. Cherry – Tiffs baby! I am glad we have gotten close during baseball season, stay in touch. Bart and Dobo – Probably the best combo I’ve seen since PB&J. You guys are hilarious together. I got a Chel rematch waiting for the both of you. Shawn – Hope your catch partner next year is able to spot up like me. Thanks for making me better every day. Blake – Thanks for all of the hard work you put in with me all off-season. You helped me get prepared for the season, and I know your time will come. You also make the best midnight cup of coffee in the league. Slinger, Connor, Pientok – You all remind me a lot of myself as a freshman. Your hard work does not go unnoticed; keep putting the hard work in, it will pay off. Jacobs – You have some nasty stuff man. I can see you making a big impact on the pitching staff in the future. Primmer – Hey Primma. Always brings a smile to my face seeing you around campus. Good luck to you over the next three years.
    
I would also like to thank all of the Cardinals who helped me mature in my younger years here at SMU. Jake Lechner, Curt Swanson, Gary Seifert, Danny Geraghty, Max Ferguson, Mike Feriancek, Justin Kronebusch, Teddy VanRanst, Vince Lulic, Sean Minder, and many others. You all paved the way for us seniors, and created a foundation of success for this program to build off of.
    
Coming to SMU and being a part of this program was the best decision that I have ever made. The experience that I have had with this team has been a dream come true. To all the younger guys and future players – never take a play off, and don’t blink, it all goes by too fast.
    
For anyone that I have missed, thank you for your help and support along the way, I really appreciate it.