Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

There’s something special about playing the game of baseball. It’s a gradual process that seems to take hold over us over. Not by the weeks or months, but by the years. It envelops its way around our hearts and at the end of it all, in a way, baseball becomes us. What makes saying goodbye to the game we love so much is that over the years, it has become a seemingly ubiquitous part of our daily lives. From middle school, junior high, high school, and into college, baseball has always been there. However, for every player, the dust eventually settles and we’re forced to hang up the cleats. Despite the extreme difficulty in saying goodbye to the game, I am extremely grateful for my two and half years spent in a Cardinal uniform, for it has been an absolute blessing.
    
However, my two-and-a-half years spent in a Cardinal uniform would not have been possible if it weren’t for my parents. Mom and Dad, I’ll never be able to re-pay you guys for what you have given me. If it weren’t for you, I would not be where I am today and for that, I am forever grateful. You have provided me with more than I could have ever asked for and I would just like to thank you for supporting me in everything that I have done.
    
To the Coaches:
  
Coach Winecke - I would first like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to play baseball at Saint Mary’s. I often think of where I would be if I never transferred from John Carroll. To tell the truth, I would most likely be 50 pounds overweight and addicted to Call of Duty. Kidding, but not really. In all seriousness, though, I’ll never be able to pay you back for what you have given me. You’re decision to take a chance at me allowed me to continue my career and for that, I will forever be grateful. To tell you the truth, after deciding to leave the program at John Carroll, I honestly thought that I would never step another foot on a baseball field, let alone find myself a spot in the lineup. These past three seasons have been the most memorable for me and that’s largely thanks to you. You not only have taught me about the game of baseball, but also about life. Looking back from who I was at the start of my career to who I am now at the end of my career, not only have I become a better baseball player, but also a better person. Thanks for everything, coach.
    
Coach Jacobson - From your Mountain Dew K-Starts to your Mio, you’re hands down one of the funniest assistant coaches I have ever played behind. It’s been an amazing three and half years and you have played a large part in that process. I’m truly going to miss your pre-game speeches and hearing you yell at the pitches even though I’m on the other side of the RAC.  The one thing you probably won’t miss about me, though, is standing and waiting in the locker room for me and Krieger take our precious time packing our bags while the whole team sits on the bus like responsible adults.
    
Coach Whaley - Although I only played behind you for two years, you have taught me a great deal about baseball and you have turned me into a much better baseball, which speaks volumes to your coaching abilities. Also, you’re the only other coach that listens to NPR, which also explains why you’re so knowledgeable. I only wish I could have played behind you for four complete years.  
    
To the Seniors:  
    
Krieger, Kriegs, Kreeeeeegs, Kricker, Truz, KP, Ghost, Ashley - Hahahaha. These past three and a half years have just been funny, but they sure have gone by fast. Honestly, if I wanted to, I could probably write a good five pages about all the good times we’ve had. I think it’s pretty safe to say that we feed off of each other so much to the point where it is not healthy. Coach Winecke would be the first one to attest to that. I’m definitely going to miss all the wasted hours we spent in the locker room playing ping-pong, singing the extremely mediocre MVP NCAA baseball soundtrack, and of course, boosting our egos through KP. Whether you join me in KP Real Estate or peace out to China, I know that you’re going to be successful. From the times of nesting in Joes and taking Cherry to Taco Bell to our times spent in the Erbs bathroom and in the dugout, you’ve become one of my best friends and I’ll never forget the times we had.
    
Thelly, Chel, Jared, Uhhhhhh… - I’m really going to miss our chel battles and all the good times we had in your room on the weekends. You’re of the best guys I have played with throughout my baseball career and I’m definitely going to miss wearing your Lacoste pullover. Thing is money.
    
Schlem, Jonny, AA, Swag, “Schelm” – Although you’re coming back next year, it only felt right to group you with all the seniors. You were one of my first friends coming into Saint Mary’s and as I think about my greatest memories from playing, you’re in almost every single one of them. In addition to you being the biggest supporter of Little Ceaser’s, you’re one of the strongest kids I know. Thanks for everything, Jonny.
    
Pauly, Tracy – Hey, trace. Despite us being extremely overweight from all those hot dagos, I’ll never forget the times I spent in your room during our sophomore year. That year stands as my favorite year of playing baseball and a large part of our success was because of you. You’ve been the glue to this team for as long as I have been here and you’re one of the hardest working guys I know. I wish you all the best of luck out in Cali. If you spot gargoyle out there hanging upside down in a tree, let me know.
    
Wolfe, G-Brow – It’s been a blast being able to play with you over these past few years. I would have to say that you probably hit the ball harder than anyone I have ever played with. Although you are one of the quietest kids I have ever met, you’re probably one of the funniest. When you make it big in accounting, me, you, and Pat should definitely start our own record company. Oh, and G-Brow, too.
    
Merky, Merky Waters, Beady Boy, Jeff Gordon – If there is one senior that any freshman should look up to, it’s you. Your ability to be a great teammate is something that I have always looked up to. You have been a staple to this team and without your hard work and perseverance; this program would not be where it is today.
    
To the Juniors:
    
Merkle, Semi, Bad communicator, Support – As I write this, I feel like Sonho Dourado should be playing in the background. Not only have you become one of my biggest supporters, but also one my best friends. Okay, this is already getting to become too deep. But seriously, the SMU Boys wouldn’t be the same without you. When I’m sitting on my lake house pier, Ellie next to my side, and “Summerwind” playing in the background, all our late nights in Joes, unnecessary Taco Bell purchases, and long days in the LR will come to the forefront of my mind. It’s been a blast playing behind you through the years, but our times spent off of the field is what I’ll remember the most. As Brian Chavez would say, “Stay low boys, keep those feet moving.”
    
Barry, Bar - Even though I wasn't here during fall ball of your freshman year, I hear you were quite mediocre at baseball. Whenever I find myself in the locker room throughout random hours of the day, I feel like you’re either going to workout or go hit. Your persistence, resilience, and commitment to improve your game serves as a perfect example to every young guy in our program that hard work pays off. Oh yeah, one more thing, back off.
    
Reagan, Reegs, Shark and Drew, Drewy – Since you guys are best boys and are an inseparable clique, I figured it’s only appropriate that I address you two in the same paragraph. Drew, I still don’t know how you get out of the locker room so fast. Please, teach me your ways. In all seriousness though, it’s been great getting to know you over these past few years and I know you’re going to be a big part of this team’s success next year. Reagan, if someone were to ask me, “who would you consider to be more of a good guy: You or Miley?” I would not know whom to pick. You’re hands down one of the nicest and smartest kids I have ever played with. Keep me in mind when you make it big.
    
To the Sophomores:
    
Stephen, Scats, Rat Boy – Oh hey, rat boy. When I heard we were getting ESCC recruits from Chicago, I was quite excited to say the least. Not only because Illinois breads better baseball players than Minnesota, but I could finally talk to some about St. Joes and Viator while everyone else talks about Cretin and Mauer. You’re one of those types of players who will reach their full potential, which I think is pretty special. You’ve been a main ingredient for our team’s success thus far and I know you will help this team achieve great things in the next two years. Oh yeah, one more thing, keep Jared alive.
    
Rolain, Rollie, Blitz – I don’t think a day has gone by where I haven’t seen a hop in your step. While that might be due to five too many scoops of pre-workout, you sure do bring it every single day, which is why I consider you to be one of the hardest working kids I have ever played with. Also, if law school doesn’t work out, I hear there’s a job opening to become a spokesperson for Arnold Supplements. Support?
    
Willy, Mr. Doll – First, a quick word of advice: don’t cut your flow. It’s the best in the M.I.A.C. Second, both Kriegs and I have decided that if there was a M.I.A.C. First Team All-Best Looking, you would be on it. Thirdly, even though you’re only a sophomore, you’re one of the most talented baseball players I have ever played with. You have what it takes to be one of the best players to walk through Saint Mary’s and I’m excited to see where your baseball career takes you.
    
Miley, Miles, Greatest Guy of all Time – I think we are all happy that you decided to transfer from St. Thomas. Your presence alone makes this campus a better place. If there is one guy who can handle adversity well, it’s you. If someone could combine the qualities of you and Pat Reagan into one person, I’m pretty sure it Jesus would appear. Well, Kev, I’ll leave you with one last funny story.. I still haven’t found my keys.
    
Ketchmark, Ketchup – You have one of the best attitudes on this team, which speaks volumes to the kind of person you are. Your ability to fulfill your role is bar none and you make our team better in more ways than you know.  
    
The Joe’s Boys - Dawson, Daws / Whitey, Oriole, Osseo / Johnson, Benny, Uncle Ron – When I found out that you guys were living on the same floor that Paul, Krieger, and I did, I couldn’t be more proud. Dawson, as of last year, I’m pretty sure you hated me after our little Tuscani Pasta fight, but ever since the start of this year, you’ve become one of my favorite guys on the team. Whitey, it’s been a blast rattling your cage these past two years. I’m not sure if it’s because of the Veema or what, but wow, you really know how to get amped. Despite people wanting to see you fall and wanting see you fail, you’ve made great strides in improving your swing and I’m beyond happy that I got the chance to work with you. Rick Ross or die. Johnson, hands down, you’re my favorite pitcher to play behind. I’ll forever remember the good times in Thelly’s room. When I come back to visit next year, I expect Uncle Ron to be there.
    
Powers, Pow Pow – I’m pretty sure that from here on out, whenever I hear the word “bigfoot”, I’m going to envision you on the mound while the opposing team fist pumps. Being a Chicago kid, you’re naturally one of the coolest kids on the team. Because of you, I have significantly expanded my iTunes library. I hope to see you at lollapalooza this summer.
    
Cale, Cale Pie – Canada definitely wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks to our NAFTA agreement; I was able to use your Marucci bat this year. While you might be a below average laundry boy, you’re definitely one of the best teammates we have. You’re definitely going to find yourself a nice semi one day. Just don’t forget about the boys.
    
Frost, Frosty, Pile – I honestly think that you would be perfectly happy stranded on an island with an unlimited supply of cope wintergreen, chicken tender melts, and Call of Duty. But seriously, you have a tremendous amount of potential to be a great baseball player so keep working hard and good things will come.
    
Ramirez, Ram, Dark Horse – If I ever need some Cliff Bars, I know exactly who to come to. It’s been fun watching you make the switch from outfield to pitcher and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
    
Redders, Red Dog, Reds, RD – You are probably one of funniest kids I have ever played with. I’m going to miss walking around campus and wearing a voice shout, “Ay, whaddup, Gando?” Even though you ate all of my food, I’m glad we decided to take you into Room 210. Over countless movies and about eight too many bowls of popcorn, I found myself starting to become great friends with you. This team would not be the same without you and I know that whatever you decide to do in life, movie critic, professional ping-pong player, or a Grizzly spokesperson, you’re going to do great things.
  
Pedar, Pedey – I’m not quite sure how you do it. Coming into this year, the one facet of my game I wanted to improve the most was become a better teammate. In attempt to do that, you served as the perfect model to do so. If everyone were as nice, kindhearted, and energetic as you, this world would be a better place. While that was probably the deepest thing of all time, it’s true. I’m definitely going to miss seeing you around campus and hearing your voice at practice even though I am nowhere close to your proximity. At the end of it all, you’ve been the best teammate I’ve ever had had. Thanks for everything, Pedey.
    
To the Freshmen:
  
Freshman (and my boy Shawn), being that you guys are the future SMU Boys, I figured I would share some advice with you that might be helpful as you’re about to close the books on your first year as a college baseball player. For those of you who don’t know, I transferred into Saint Mary’s my sophomore year. Before coming to Saint Mary’s, I played at John Carroll University, which is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Pretty average city, I know. Anyways, while you guys are used to seeing me play every game, you guys probably don’t know that I never saw the field once during my freshman year. I never got an at-bat, got to pinch hit, or even pinch run. The coaching staff wanted to convert me into a bullpen catcher. Being that I wouldn’t make the best bullpen catcher, since I have the worst arm in the nation, I decided to transfer to Saint Mary’s. As Jake Merkle would say, “it was probably the best call I’ve ever made.” I finally found a place where hard work pays off. During games, when I’m on the field and look over to the bench during the game and see you guys standing there, I can see myself. While you guys might not see much of the field now, just know that there really is no ceiling to your potential. After my freshman year, I seriously considered quitting baseball for good. In retrospect, I can whole-heartedly say that even though freshman year was a serious low point in my baseball career, it was a blessing in disguise. Your hard work will pay off. You just have to be willing to see it through. Make the most of these next three years for they are fleeting. To that end, I know you future SMU Boys will do great things in these next three years and take this program to new heights.