Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I always have the most difficult time in beginnings- whether it’s writing or baseball. Here’s a shot at my best. I’ve learned many lessons; hopefully I can share some of them with you so you can see what I’ve experienced over the past four years.
    
The first time the seed of going to Saint Mary’s to play baseball was planted in my head was in-between my sophomore and Junior year of high school when former Saint Mary’s standout baseball player, Kevin Black, was my summer coach. He told me one of his best friends was coaching there and I should think about it in the next few years. Before I knew it, I was making my final decision- and I decided that Winona was the place I wanted to spend my next four years.
    
My freshman year, I was served a nice serving of humble pie. Like most freshmen- I figured I would come in and start every game and easily find success the way I did in high school. That’s when I learned my first lesson:
  
Lesson 1: You have to learn to work harder than you ever imagined if your goal is to be more successful than you ever have been before.
    
During the course of my freshman season I worked harder at practices than I ever had before. I remember my shirt being constantly sopping in sweat after a few minutes of practice. Maybe I was working really hard or maybe it was a result of spending too much time in the Caf and eating too many Goldfish late at night. In reality, it was probably a combination of both things.
    
Lesson 2: Just because you can get 3 plates of chicken nuggets and fries in the Caf doesn’t mean you should… and go easy on the soft serve machine.
    
Freshman year, our team struggled getting wins, but we were close. It seemed as though we lined out all the time and we were so close to winning games, but we just didn’t. Over the course of the season, we became frustrated and the season was difficult. At times practice was a drag and baseball wasn’t fun. But now I see something in that season that I did not see then:
    
Lesson 3: Strong things must be built from a solid foundation and sometimes solid foundations take time to pour.
    
That season was about building a foundation for the program and even though the Seniors of that year never got to experience the MIAC playoffs, I feel indebted to them for helping to lay the foundation that allowed our program to reach that goal the following year. Their contributions to our teams’ development were essential on our road to success.
    
That summer my confidence was not the highest in baseball terms, but I played on The East Side Merchants and my confidence was quickly restored. I cannot thank Coach Pat Casey of the Merchants enough for helping me to restore the confidence I was lacking.
  
Lesson 4: When you are having a tough time - simplify things, clear your mind, and remember why you are doing it.
    
Coach Casey simplified things for me and made baseball fun again. Because of that summer, I came into the next year with a new outlook on baseball.
    
Sophomore year was an interesting experience, especially living in a triple room that was essentially one large room. If a health inspector would have come into that room, I think we would have been evicted. While I think I was sick more that year from Andy’s clothes laying around the room and Pat’s sheets that seemed to never be washed (speaking of sheets… You owe me for Halloween still!) I can only seem to remember sitting on the middle of the floor cross legged eating Little Caesars thin crust pizza at 1 a.m.
    
Lesson 5: Enjoy the people around you; it will be your interpersonal connections with those close to you that you remember the most
    
Sophomore year we got off to a 0-6 start in conference play and it seemed that little had changed, but then suddenly we started playing better. Baseball was so much fun that season. Despite our slow start, we found a way to make it into the MIAC playoffs for the first time in nearly 10 years. I can’t say why our season turned around, but I think our team always had the outlook that we could accomplish our goals. I think the leadership of Curt Swanson and Dan Geraghty were the reasons for our team’s comeback. Another part of that may have been because we were picked to finish last in the pre-season coaches poll. We knew we were better than that.
    
Lesson 6: It’s fun to prove people wrong when they think you can’t do something.
    
The highlight of that season had to be beating St. Thomas in the first round of playoffs. Nevertheless, I remember how much fun it was playing on that team and being in the dugout that game. It’s a feeling I will never forget.
    
The following year our team was looking to follow up with another playoff appearance with the hopes of taking it one step further. Junior year was a busy time. With many difficult classes and spring weather that made for a very condensed baseball season, I was more sleep deprived than I have ever been in my life. I still remember how much fun it was hopping on the bus with the mentality of going and getting wins. It was almost as if it was a mission that we were trying to overcome - the final push before playoffs especially. Even though we got knocked out of playoffs our first game, I remember how proud I was to be a part of such a hardworking team. That is a testament to the Seniors of that year. They were a group who would not be outworked individually and I believe that trait was shed onto the rest our team. That team taught me:
    
Lesson 7: It is always better to lead by example - you gain more credibility and people aim to emulate your leadership traits that way.
    
Before I knew it, I was returning to Saint Mary’s for my senior year with the hopes of making the most of every minute. This season did not get off to the start that we had all hoped in Arizona, but we all learned from the experience. Individually, I have learned more through this season than any other. I have not performed as well as I would have liked (to this point), but I have found that I don’t care about my individual performance as long as we are winning as a team. Right now we are in a position to make a strong push into the playoffs if we continue to play hard. With this team I think there are endless possibilities, and I am eager to see what will happen over the next few weeks.
    
Lesson 8: Success gained through hard work means more than success that is handed to you.
    
I can’t wait to see where the rest of this season takes us.
  
I remember reading Senior Salutes my freshman season and thinking that I would have a while before it came time for me to write mine. False.
    
Lesson 9: The 4 years at college are the fastest 4 years of your life.
    
Over the course of those four years, I have met some of my best friends and been influenced by countless people who I owe a great deal of thanks.
    
First, I’d like to thank the Coaches I have had at Saint Mary’s- Coach Whaley, Coach Rob, Coach Ogden, and Coach Schmidt.  These coaches have instilled hard working values into our daily lives and routines. I’d also like to thank Coach Jake. Even though he eats way too much Taco Bell, Coach Jake is a great coach. Soon enough someone will like your profile on Match.com. Just stick with the process. I want to especially thank Coach Winecke for granting me the opportunity to make the baseball team. I remember on my second recruiting visit being told that everyone has to earn a spot on the team regardless of standing, year, or ability. That idea resonated with me and was a major contributing force in my decision to come to Saint Mary’s. He also challenged me to come to Saint Mary’s and be an active force in turning the program around. That’s something I wanted to be a part of. I have had a great time playing college baseball and learning about baseball and life from you.
    
Lesson 10: If you get the opportunity to be a part of an organization that embodies the values and philosophies that are important to you, you will be happy and find success.
    
I want to take the following opportunity to acknowledge my teammates and a few others who have been influential in my development and time here at Saint Mary’s.
    
Freshman Players: Ben, Chris, Alec, Connor, Ben, Austin, Jack, Blake, Shawn, Tyler, and Blake- Best of luck to you all in the future. You are a class with an abundance of talent. I hope our Senior class has provided you with the foundation that you will need in order to take this program to the next level. Take what I said to heart- the next three years will fly by, so do you best to make the most of it not only in baseball, but in all opportunities that life has to offer during these fun years.
    
It is clear to me that whenever anyone is having a rough day, the best person to pick them up is Peder. You have an uncanny ability of bringing a smile to people’s face whenever you want, and you also have a genuine interest in other people’s success. You are the teammate I wish I could have been, and your presence will continue to become more prominent in the next few years. Plus you carry a big bat that is going to come up huge next year. You have a great future ahead of you… maybe you’ll even find yourself on Comedy Central.
    
Lesson 11: I may not remember every single time I grounded out, but I will always carry the confidence Peder shared with me in reminding me how good of a hitter I was after I got back to the dugout. Care about those around you.
    
Usually when I hear someone tell me how “good of a guy” Ryan Braun is, I quit listening. But sometimes that person doesn’t stop talking and in the case of A.J. Redders, you all of a sudden start talking with the guy. A.J.’s personality is one of a kind, which makes him the perfect fit on this team. You have a habit of making hitters look foolish with your sweeping slider… but not quite as foolish as some of those videos of you dancing around. You’re always a “good guy,” even if Ryan Braun isn’t.
    
I enjoy watching Matt Ramirez pitch whenever he gets the opportunity because he harnesses the same competitive drive that I try to embody when I play. To me, there is nothing more admirable than a hardnosed baseball player and that is exactly what Ram is.
    
When we couldn’t play on the field this fall because of Grubs, we all knew who to point the finger at… that’s you Jake Frost! I have yet to see a player with a better glove than Jake in the field. Much like Ram, I like how you dive around the field and take charge in the infield. You will surely be a staple in the infield in the upcoming years and your strong desire to play baseball is something you should share with younger players.
    
Over the past two years, it’s been so much fun to watch Whitey transform from a player with raw talent into an excellent, dependable baseball player. Whitey is very intuitive and is always actively trying to become a better baseball player. Good luck next year and always keep a positive attitude. You will be a strong player and even stronger leader. Plus I know if I ever want to take part in an unsustainable business pyramid-scheme, I can always give you a call. I mean, who doesn’t like bad tasting energy drinks that haven’t been approved by the FDA!?
    
I have yet to see a person work harder than Ben Johnson. Ben has continued to develop his potential and is the most improved player in my eyes. You have established yourself as a leader among the pitching staff and your leadership will soon be the entire team. Share your work ethic with others and continue to lead by example.
    
I remember having a conversation with Cale during a fall “captains practice” last year and thinking about how similar we are. Cale is a player you hate to play against but love to play with. I have never played myself, but I get the impression that is what opponents think of me. Cale has the skills that are going to help in to develop into an everyday player.
    
Brian Powers is a very intelligent thinker that understands the game. I will never forget an away game when Brian was picking signs from an opposing coach until eventually the whole bench was working to relay the signs to the batter. This year, Brian has emerged as a reliable arm out of the bullpen. I can’t wait to see what Brian brings the team next year.
    
There aren’t many kids that I like from North St. Paul, but I make an exception for Jake Dawson. Just like his partner in crime (Ben), Jake is one of the hardest workers on the team. I can see in younger players eyes how much they look up to Jake and try to get better every day just like he does. Not to mention his curveball is on the best in the MIAC. Keep working hard.
    
When I used to be a catcher, the thing I hated most was     catching bullpens. It’s a thankless job that often gets overlooked, and I think it’s fair to say that no one has caught more bullpens over the past two years than Josh Ketchmark. Josh, continue to develop your skills every day like you have been. Before you know it, you’ll get your opportunity to showcase all your hard work.
    
The first time I talked to Kevin Miley was on the phone for 45 minutes as I was driving. I immediately knew he would be a great fit if he chose to transfer to Saint Mary’s without even seeing how smooth of a swing he has. There is little doubt that Kevin is one of the best baseball players on the team, but he is even a better person. If I ever have a daughter, Kevin is the type of guy (not actually the guy!) that I hope she marries. Even with that being said, no one is perfect. Even Kevin screwed-up and went to high school at Cretin-Derham Hall.
    
No one on this team knows their role better than Alec Rolain. Alec understands his role that has evolved into the number one base runner off the bench this year. Even though he knows his role, he is not limited by it and continues to be one of the hardest workers in the weight room and fieldhouse. Soon, I am sure that Rollie’s role will transform into an every day starter on this team.
    
Lesson 12: Hard work pays off
    
It is clear that Steph is going to be a pivotal part of the improvement of the program. There was not a day this winter that Steph was not in the RAC hitting and throwing. This season that has work has translated into results. I’m just glad he is a better baseball player than bowler. BP!
    
Last year after some games in Arizona, my Uncle’s Jim and Kevin were asking me about the freshman who hit the home run to deep center field. I told them that I thought Willie Doll could be the best player to ever come out of Saint Mary’s. Willie is a 5-tool player that has the work ethic that makes our team better in so many ways. Not to mention he is a true and loyal friend. You can finally wear #8 when I’m gone next year… just as long as you keep taking your dry hacks.
    
I was impressed when Reags was happy to drop down to be the left-handed specialist that our team desperately needed because of the departure of so many lefty pitchers last year. He has excelled in that role, coming in whenever we need a big out. Reags is always a great teammate and one of those guys who always has my back. For that I am grateful. Stay away from the sharks and the bc’s.
    
I was happy to learn that Drew would be coming to play at Saint Mary’s after hearing a lot about his. Drew has a great baseball mind and understands the game better than anyone on our team. Plus he has a sweet left- handed swing with a specialty in line drives. Plus he’s a Logger… nothing beats that.
    
This year Kevin Miley said to me, “David Barry is good at nearly everything he tries.” The more I thought about it, the more apparent it became. Whether its ping pong or baseball, David is good at it (except maybe not organizational behavior). David’s strong personality is easy to get along with and he always helps to keep things in perspective. CAN WE GET SOME LIGHTS BACK HERE!!!!!!????????????????????????? I’m glad David filled in as the smart-ass for me that time.
    
No one else besides me got the opportunity to know Jake Merkle before college. I have got to witness first hand his complete transformation from a very awkward quiet kid to a confident leader. Still, there are many times when I cannot understand some of the decisions you make, but it has been a great experience to see how far you have come. There is no person more capable of achieving a goal than you when you focus and commit yourself. It started in high school when we created pitching game-plans in Sarah Lornston’s English class and has evolved into you working hard to become a dependable starter in our team’s rotation. I have been harder on you than anyone else on this team, but that’s because I know how much potential you have. I probably won’t miss how much of a mess you make at our place, but I will miss all of your funny conversations. Your personality is one of a kind, and I’m glad you decided to follow me to Saint Mary’s.
    
I remember first talking with Scotty Malotka about Golden Gopher Hockey- a passion we both share. From that point on, Scotty and I talked about anything and everything. He has been the best manager and I believe there is no one that cares more about Cardinal Baseball than Scotty. Even though he is a manager, I see Scotty as my teammate and I am happy to have been able to share so many accomplishments with him. You still owe me a Stella, Scotty!
    
I remember the only person to gain more weight than me freshman year was Jon Schlemmer. Unfortunately for me, he is a foot taller so that food had more place to go on him. Jon hit the furthest baseball I have ever seen at St. Olaf a few years ago. I really have enjoyed my time playing with Jon- I’ll get back to that later.
    
Kevin Gannon came in to our team as a transfer, but we all saw it as a trade- one that our team has reaped the benefits from. Kevin had an immediate impact on our team and his skills were a major contributing factor to making the playoffs our sophomore year. Kevin’s talent on the field is second to none which was proven when he was awarded the outstanding student-athlete, but I really admire how seriously he takes school as well. Ever since Kevin and Jared came to Saint Mary’s, our program has been taken to a crazy level.
    
Truth be told, I didn’t think there was someone that was more obsessed with high school hockey than me… that is until I met Taylor Thelemann. Thelly has worked his way from the bench to an everyday starter through hard work and dedication to our baseball program. If I ever owned a business, Taylor would be the first person I would hire. Over the course of the four years I have spent with him, I have learned that he is reliable, hard-working, dedicated, and sensible in a way that most young adults are not. Thelly has a way of seeing the big picture and I can always rely in him to tell me exactly what I need to hear. Go Merchants.
    
To me, Tommy Merkelis is the epitome of Saint Mary’s Baseball. Merky showed up at captains practice freshman year with a hard working attitude. He was willing to do anything for anyone from the beginning, and the more I have gotten to know him, the more I realize how lucky I am for people like him in my life. Merk worked his butt off doing every thankless task imaginable, but he never questioned, never complained, and never backed down. I have seen Merk chase more foul balls than a dog at the park. But this year all of his hard work paid off and it has been so rewarding for our team to see the success Merk has had being our first pinch hitter off the bench. I love seeing Merky round first base after a hard single up the middle, because I know all of the hard work that went into that hit. I would drive to Illinois in the middle of the night if Merk ever needs me to, because I know he wouldn’t even think twice about doing the same for me.
    
I know Zach probably wanted to room with Carlos, but somehow Pat and I convinced him to room with us Junior year. That is maybe the best or worst decision Zach has made depending on who you ask. Over the course of our time living together, we’ve shared many laughs from tons of jokes and stories - we are the only ones that know where the Biever money actually went…. you were the perfect medium between Pat’s and my personality to live with, plus you actually contributed to the food supply in the room! I enjoyed our weekend trips to the Silver Star and WK football games. Thank you for being so selfless and easy to live with. I’m sure many times you probably got sick of my multiple alarms in the morning and sleeping on the futon for 2 years (you can have that by the way.) You have become one of my best friends and I hope you come out and visit me… maybe we can even convince your parents you will live out there.  Yaaaa, I dun called ya a… 10 bells… aigggghttttttt.
    
I didn’t know what to expect when I strolled into my freshman dorm room. My first thoughts were, “This kid’s mom is really loud and I think we should flip coins for the bottom bunk.” When Pat got ready for bed that late August night, he was completely naked and I couldn’t believe this kid. In four years, some things about Pat have changed, and some have not (he still doesn’t mind sleeping naked!). Early on we took had similar schedules with baseball and even took some of the same classes. That led some people to have a tough time telling us apart… I think Dr. Pattee still thinks we are the same person (I wish we would have taken advantage of that in LCT).  I have lived with Pat all four years of college despite our different personalities. His is extremely outgoing and easygoing and I tend to be me. Nevertheless, it has worked out perfectly- Pat’s unique personality (and backrub skills) have often eased my tension and allowed me to step back and relax when I become too stressed out. I’d like to think that some of my work ethic when it comes to school has helped him along the way. We have too many inside jokes to even try o acknowledge. We have had some of the best times of our lives, and I have been fortunate enough to share them with you. Thanks for being such a great friend and roommate. I wouldn’t have wanted my college experience to have happened any other way!
    
Lesson 13: Trading backrubs for nutrigrain bars is always a good call.
    
Beyond teammates and coaches, there are many other people I have to acknowledge. I want to thank my high school coach, John Hardgrove, pushing me to play baseball the right way.
    
I want to thank Donny for the endless hours he has spent working with our team, even if he still has a tough time differentiating between a hit and an error! Also, thanks for all the help to managers Ricky, Joe, and Sully. I always enjoyed my time with Vince; you were a great leader on this team and were basically our 4th roommate. Thanks to last year’s seniors, you have been a huge part of my Saint Mary’s Baseball experience.
    
I owe a big thanks to Carina for being so kind and understanding. You have a way of relating to me that I am thankful for and you always find a way to put a smile on my face. You keep me grounded regardless of what is going on and I am very grateful you came into my life!
    
Thank you to my Mom for being such an instrumental part of my development. You have always been my number one fan and I know I get most of my athletic ability from you! I love you very much.
    
My Dad never forced me to play baseball. He coached me growing up but never put any pressure on me to succeed, improve, or even stay with the game. I think that is the reason I fell in love with baseball- it has always been fun for me. My Dad taught me the right way to play the game and baseball has been a huge part of the great relationship I have with my dad. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I hope that if I am ever a dad, I am just like you.
    
I’m sure I missed some thanks along the way, so if I missed you, Thanks! I hope you take something away from some of the lessons I have learned here at Saint Mary’s… or at least enjoyed some of the stories. In closing, I wanted to get back to my friend and teammate Jon. Schlem is a guy who has a unique perspective on life and a guy who I would do anything for. When Jon was spending time with his Mother last year during her fight with cancer, I found myself missing him. It was the strangest thing- I didn’t find myself missing Jon’s big hits, game winning RBI’s, or slow goofy trots around the bases after moon shot home-runs. I missed Jon’s outlandish comments, his broad smile, and his post game speeches after a big sweep. It got me thinking:
    
Lesson 14: This whole college baseball thing hasn’t been about baseball at all; it’s been about the memories we’ve shared along the way and the friendships that will last a lifetime.
    
And I have many of both. Thank you to everyone. I am the luckiest.