Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It is hard for me to believe that I am playing my last few games in a Cardinal uniform. It seemed like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm and getting ready for my first fall ball practice. I knew after the first captains practice my freshman year that I had made the best decision of my life to play baseball at Saint Mary’s. After four incredible years, I can say that my experience as a member of the baseball team has left me with memories and relationships I will carry with me the rest of my life. Baseball is such an incredible game, and it teaches you so much about life. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity I have had to play this game and for this incredible program, and I have learned so many valuable lessons that I can take with me as I head out into the real world. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for my family, coaches, teammates, and friends, and I have a lot of people to thank for helping me and pushing me over the years.
    
First, I would like to thank my amazing family. They have been incredibly supportive of me over the years, and they have pushed me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Mom, thank you for all your support and for your loud cheering at all the games you come too. I can always hear you in the stands cheering me on. I also want to thank you for all of the times you would catch for me when I was younger. I don’t know if there are a whole lot of mothers out there that would be willing to throw on catcher’s gear and catch for long periods of time (especially when I wasn’t doing so well and I would get upset and try to throw as hard as I could). So for that I consider myself the luckiest kid in the world and so blessed to have a mother that would go to that length to help me become a better baseball player. That’s just who you are Mom. You are an incredible supporter of me in everything I do, and you have always been there to pick me up when I have struggled. I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me, and I hope I can be half the person you are. Dad, I’ll never forget you being my coach when I was just starting up in tee ball. Thank you for helping me fall in love with the game of baseball, and for all the times we played catch as I was growing up.  Thank you for all of the incredible pictures you have taken of me over the years on the baseball field. Most importantly, thank you for pushing me day in and day out to become a better man. I have always looked up to you and always will. You helped me develop a work ethic that allowed me to have success on and off the field. After games we lost or games I did bad in you always were there to pick me up and tell me it’s ok and I’ll do better the next time. Thank you for everything Dad, I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you. To my sister, Molly, you have turned into be quite the athlete yourself. I know growing up we could be pretty competitive with each other and we always seemed to make everything a competition. Well, I want to thank you for that because I think that benefited the both of us pretty well considering the amount of sports we played growing up. You have been an incredible supporter of me over the years, and it has been fun watching you compete as well. As you finish up your senior year of high school and head off to College next year, my advice to you is to get ahead and don’t watch so much Netflix. Keep working hard like you always have and great things are coming your way Molly. I love you all very much and can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me.
    
I next want to thank my grandparents, as they have been incredible supporters for me in everything I do. Grandma, thank you for putting up with me when I was a child and you would watch me while my parents were at work. I will never forget the big orange plastic bat you gave me when I was a kid. I loved hitting the whiffle balls in your backyard with that bat, and to this day I believe it was one of the main reasons I fell in love with the game of baseball. Grandpa, where do I begin. You have taught me so much about baseball, school, and just life in general. If I had a dollar for every time you have called me a whimp growing up, I would be a rich man. You still say it to me this day. And I know it seems so small, but it ‘s just an example of how you have pushed me throughout my life to make myself better day in and day out. You taught me the importance of being a high character person, and your character is second to none. I know that as I head out into the real world, I will continue to be a person of high character, in my career and relationships. You taught me to never let my emotions get the best of me and to keep pushing, no matter what the circumstances are. Don’t make excuses, just find solutions. All of these are lessons I learned from spending all my time with you hunting, at softball games, or just hanging out with you. Thank you for everything Grandpa and Grandma, I love you both very much.
    
I want to thank Coach Winecke for giving me this wonderful opportunity to play collegiate baseball. It has been an amazing experience getting to play for you the last four years. You instilled in all of us a drive and work ethic that is second to none. Watching this program grow year after year has been something special to be a part of, and I can’t thank you enough for giving me the chance to be a part of it. You are a tremendous leader and have such a passion for this game and it really has been a pleasure getting to share in that passion with you the last four years. The lessons I have learned playing here will help me for the rest of my life in whatever I do. I have no doubt you will continue to make this program better and better and I look forward to seeing this program rise to new heights under your direction.
    
Coach Jacobsen, thank you for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to be a pitcher for this program. I had the privilege of getting to play for Coach Jacobsen in high school and college. He was my coach for 2 years at Mound-Westonka, and after playing for him a couple of years in high school, my passion for the game grew and I knew baseball is something I would want to play in college. When Coach Jacobsen said he was leaving to come coach here at SMU, it was pretty hard because he was such an awesome guy to play for. Well, flash forward to my senior year of high school, I get a call from Coach Jake saying he wants me to come play at Saint Mary’s. I will forever be grateful for that call, because it gave me the opportunity to go to a great school, play baseball for a great program, and play for Coach Jacobsen again. Thank you for pushing us hard every single day, whether it was endless PFP’s or hours of dry work. I truly believe there isn’t a pitching staff in the nation that works as hard as we do. I will never forget my time playing for you Jake. You are a great coach and I am blessed to have been able to work with you in high school and college.  
    
Coach Whaley, it has been great having you as a coach the last few years. You’re knowledge of the game is amazing and I learned so much from listening to you. Thank you for everything.
    
Coach Krone, it has been awesome being able to play for you the last couple of seasons. I also really enjoyed the time I had getting to be your teammate my freshman and sophomore year. You are a great leader and a great motivator. Thank you for all the time you have put into this program. You were a great teammate, and you are going to be a great coach. Thanks Krone!
    
I want to thank my incredible girlfriend Clare. You have been my number 1 fan and been the most amazing supporter. You always have been there for me, whether it was a good game or a bad game. Your love and support has been endless, and I can’t thank you enough. I know I’m not good at taking pictures, but I’m glad we were able to take a couple of good ones after the games. Ultimately, I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for me. It’s been an amazing year and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
    
I want to thank my teammates, because they are the ones that push me every day to get better, and they are the ones that share in this incredible journey every year. The baseball season can get to be a grind at some points, but what makes it fun is that my teammates are there to pick me up when things aren’t going well. They are the ones who share in the fun times and also the not so fun times. At the end of the day, I won’t remember the scores of the games or the statistics I had, I will remember the great times I had with my teammates. I can safely say that being in Saint Mary’s baseball program has allowed me to work with the best teammates in the nation the last four years.
    
To my fellow Seniors. It has been a crazy ride and it’s hard to believe that it is almost over. I am beyond thankful for the time I have had to play baseball with you guys, but more importantly getting to know you guys and develop a friendship that will last a lifetime.
    
Drew, or should I say batman- you have become one of my best friends and it has been so much fun playing ball with you the last four years. Rooming with you the last couple of years has been awesome and there have been a lot of fun times. You’re an incredible baseball player and I still can’t believe how fast your hands are. You are going to make a great cop someday, and I know because you practiced pressure points and arm bars on me many times. I wonder how many Domino’s pizzas you have eaten in your four years here.  D Mo’s nights were the best. I’m so glad I got to play alongside you for the last four years, and we have had a lot of great times that I will never forget.
    
Merkle- I am so happy I had the chance to play baseball with you these past four years. You are one of the funniest guys I have ever met, and there really never is a dull moment with you. You are a great guy and a great pitcher. It has been fun watching you the last four years. You are a great leader and you are going to be very successful going forward. Thanks for being a great teammate, oh and I finally found my type, BABY!!
    
Schlemmer, aka Schlemdawg Millz, aka 10th year senior- I’m glad we survived strategies. It was a struggle at times, but we made it. It has been a pleasure playing baseball with you the last four years. I’m pretty sure there are some baseballs that haven’t landed yet on some of those homeruns you hit. Off the field, you are great guy to be around and obviously you have one of the best karaoke voices around. I’m going to miss hearing you sing with Redders on the bus.
    
David- You are hands down the hardest worker I have ever seen. Playing alongside you the past four years has been such an incredible experience. You are a great leader, and you push people to be the best they can be. This program would not be the same without you in it. You are one of the best defensive players I have ever seen and it’s been fun watching you play the last four years. It’s been so fun getting to know you and I’ll always remember you as a great guy who made everyone around you better.
    
Miley- Miley is one of the greatest guys I have ever met. He never let’s his emotions get to him and he seems to always have the same expression on his face whether he hit a home run or a pop up. It’s been a joy playing with him the last four years, and I wish Kevin luck in the future with whatever he decides to do.
    
To the Juniors:
Willie- Willie is one of the best players I have ever seen take the diamond. He is very talented, but he does not just rely on his talents. He is one of the hardest working guys I have ever played with and it has been a joy getting to play with him the last three years. Good luck to you in the future Willie.
    
Cale- Your passion for the game can be seen every day in practice and it has been awesome playing with you the last few seasons. Keep working hard like you have and you will continue to get better and better. Good luck Pie Island.
    
Peder- Big Pete, you have become one of my best friends at SMU, and I am thankful for the friendship we have. We have had a lot of great times here at SMU, and I am going to miss you a lot next year. You have an incredible work ethic, and I know that will help you have success going forward. Keep working hard, and good luck Pistol Pete!
    
Shawn- Shawny Mo! I am so glad you made the switch from WSU to SMU. You were pretty quiet at first, but now that I have gotten to know you so well I can say that you are one of the funniest guys I have ever met, and I’m fortunate to have developed such a great friendship with you. I look forward to many golf outings with you, and maybe the chance to coach against you and the St. Mikes boys. Can’t wait to go to space aliens with you and Drew again, and this time not get kicked out of the bar area.
    
Frost- Frosty, you are one of the most genuine guys I have ever met. You also have the best hands I have ever seen on a baseball field, and it has been awesome watching you develop the last few seasons. Keep working hard and get that shoulder back to full strength! The team is going to need you next year. I am glad I have gotten to know you so well, and I look forward coming back and watching you next year. Best of luck in the future Frosty!
    
Steph- It has been fun watching you dice hitters the last three seasons. You are an unreal talent, and your hard work has really paid off. Keep up the great work Steph, and good luck in the future.
    
Ben- Benny J, you are a bull dog out there on the mound. I love watching you compete and go after hitters. My favorite thing to see you do is right after you deliver a pitch I have you heard call strike before the ball has even gotten to the plate. It’s just amazing to see you battle and I know you are going to have continued success into your senior year. Good luck Johnson!
    
Rolain- Rollie, it has been getting to play with you the last three seasons. You are one of the hardest working guys on the team, and your hard work has paid off. You bring a lot of energy every day, and the team needs people like that. Keep bringing that positive energy every day, and good luck in the future!
    
Ketchmark- Ketch, you have gotten better and better every year. Your hard work and commitment to the little things has turned you into a solid catcher. You are a great guy and a great teammate and it has been fun getting to know you the last three years. Keep up the good work and good luck in the future!
    
Dawson- Cakes Awesome, you are the textbook definition of a competitor. I love watching you pitch, and you are the most fearless player I have ever seen. Keep throwing that curveball Daws, that pitch is devastating. Good luck and keep working hard like you do every day.
    
Powers- BP, I am so glad you decided to join the baseball team after the Fall your freshman year. You are fierce competitor, and your work ethic is second to none. You are also the best throwing partner I have ever had. Keep up the great work and keep throwing that hammer of a curveball. Good luck in the future!
    
Whitey- Your hard work and commitment have you turned you into a great catcher, and a great leader. You bring great energy every day, and I am so lucky to have been able to throw to you the last few seasons. Keep  working hard, keep sticking pitches, and keep bringing that positive energy day in day out. Good luck in the future Whitey.
    
Redders- Red Dog, I want to thank you for working with me when I dropped down my Junior year. I will always appreciate the help you gave me. It has been fun watching you jam hitters the last few seasons. Keep working hard, oh and keep the singing voice going too. Now that Schlemmer is gone, the vocals are all on you. Good luck Red Dog!
    
Fejt- You have been a great addition to the team, and I am glad I have gotten to work with you this past season. You love the game and it can be seen when you are out there on the mound. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing you pitch next year. Good luck Fejter!
    
To the Sophomores:
Bartosz- Fellow accountant, it has been awesome working with you the last couple of seasons and also stressing over several accounting classes. Keep working hard and trust your stuff when your out there on the mound. Good luck in the future and get ready for advanced accounting, fun stuff.
    
Cherry- Other fellow accountant, you are one of the funniest guys I have met and always seem to make others laugh. You are very committed to getting better and I know that with hard work your time is coming. Good luck in the years to come, and I can’t wait to come back and watch you play.
    
Buerkle- It has only been a couple of years, but you have already had an enormous impact on this program. Watching you play is something I will never forget, and I know you are only going to get better. Good luck in the future, and I know with your work ethic and determination, you are going to be one of the greatest to ever wear a cardinal uniform.
    
Blake- You have worked very hard and it has shown as you have really turned into a solid player. Keep working hard and I can’t wait to come back next year to visit and watch you play. Keep Shawny Mo in line too. Good luck Blake!

Connor- Connor it has been a pleasure getting to know you the last couple of seasons and also watching you develop on the field. You are a grinder and work extremely hard and I really appreciate the teammate you are. Good luck going forward Connor!
    
Waters- I am very glad you decided to come play baseball at SMU. You are a genuine guy and a great teammate. You work very hard and are a great guy to have in this program. Keep up the good work and good luck in the future!
    
Jacobs- Austy J you are one of the funniest guys I have ever met. You are also a great pitcher, and you are going to be for years to come. I am so thankful for the friendship I have developed with you. You have been a great teammate and you always pick me up whether it be after a bad shortbox or coming off the mound after a bad inning. You have electric stuff man, and keep working extremely hard and believe in yourself. You are going to have a big impact the next couple of years with this team. Good luck bud!
    
To the Freshman:
Do not take anything for granted. As I sit here and write this, I can hardly believe that my time is almost up with this great program. The years go fast, and I would do anything to go back and be able to play another year. Work extremely hard, and always be there to pick each other up. Believe in yourselves, and great things will come your way. Trust the process, and make the next three years as memorable as you can. Good luck to all of you in the future!
    
I also want to thank my past teammates, as they showed me the way and taught me what it means to be a cardinal baseball player. I will always be thankful for everything they did, as I know they had a big impact on me as a person and a baseball player.
    
Thank you to my past coaches and teammates, as they were the ones that have made playing this game so enjoyable. Thank you to the outstanding managers we have had over the years. Primmer, Ricky, Scotty, Sully, and Joe Miley, your hard work has been greatly appreciated and is very helpful to the team.
    
Again, I just want to say that I am so fortunate to have been a part of this program. I have met some of my best friends playing here, and I know for a fact that I have had the best teammates in the nation playing in this program. I would not be the person I am today if I had not been a part of this outstanding team. It is awesome the success we have had, but the work that goes into making that success possible is what I will always remember. It shaped who I am, and I will be forever thankful for this incredible opportunity.
    
Baseball has given me some amazing experience throughout my life. It is extremely hard writing this as I could go on for pages about my experience playing baseball at Saint Mary’s. This has been the time of my life, and I will never forget the memories I made here. Thank you to this great university and to everyone who supported me along the way. I am truly grateful. Cardinal baseball will always hold a special spot in my heart.