Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

“It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball.” If you were to ask any one of the fourteen of us why we played the game, we wouldn’t say we played because we were really talented; we wouldn’t say we played because we wanted to win championships. We would say that we played the game because we loved to do so. Over the course of the last fifteen years, baseball has been an essential piece of our lives; humbling us at every opportunity while showing us what it feels like to be on top of the world. Coach Winecke always tells us that “If we put in the hard work and respect the game by playing it the right way 100% of the time, the game will repay us.”  I think that for quite some time, I struggled in seeing what he meant. Observing the past four years, I don’t think Coach meant the game will repay me with success on the field. The game has repaid me by giving me life skills that will help me to be successful, by showing me what it means to be a great teammate, and by giving me friendships that have turned into lifelong brotherhoods. The game of baseball has given me so much, and I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay it.
    
I have an immense amount of people I would like to thank for helping me to get where I am today. First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents. Mom and Dad, I never appreciated how much you two did for me when I was a kid, until I wasn’t a kid anymore. Dad, I would like to thank you for the hundreds of times we played catch in the front yard and for chasing the ball down the street when I tried to be a superstar and throw curveballs to you at the ripe old age of 8. I truly enjoyed being coached by you and I appreciate the support you’ve given me the whole way, especially your constructive criticism. I’ll never forget you and Coach Brian making fun of me for Jamari lighting me up like the 4th of July. You’re definitely a huge contributor to where I am athletically and I am forever indebted to you for that. Mom, you were always there for me at every game, and you were always there to pick me up when I didn’t play all that great. I would like to thank you for taking so much time out of your schedule to make me as happy as I could be. I would also like to thank you for all of the little things: driving to games, scrubbing my pants, getting my Gatorades, and even trying your best to play catch with me whenever you could (at least until Adam broke your nose). I love you two and could never repay you and Dad for everything you’ve done for me, but I promise to try my best to find a way. To my brother Adam, I’m still interested in where you would be right now had you stuck with the game. You threw cheeseballs, and kids were always afraid to get in the box against you; effectively wild I’d call it. Regardless, you’re one of the most courageous people I know and I look up to you in so many ways. I’d like to thank you for always asking me to play fast pitch out front. I truly believe playing all the time has made me a better pitcher and player today. You’re a true competitor in everything that you do and I know you’re going to kill it in Cali. Love ya kid, and Mom, Dad, and I will all miss you and will be there if you need anything. Grandpa, I would like to thank you for coming to each and every one of my games throughout my career at home. I attribute my ability to throw strikes to you. When I first started pitching, I could hear you yelling “Throw strikes Brian! No walks!” from the stands and that became a huge component of my game. I love ya and look forward to seeing you soon. To the rest of my family, I will always be thankful for all of your contributions to me and my baseball career. I can promise that I do not take them lightly.
    
The next set of people I’d like to thank are the coaches I’ve had throughout my career here. Coach Winecke, it isn’t every day that you allow a kid you know nothing about to walk into your office and tell you that he wants to play baseball. But, that’s exactly what you did for me. You gave me a chance to be a part of an incredible program and I will forever be in debt to you for that. The program continues to grow and get better because of the hard work you put in every day, and I know all players who have come through Saint Mary’s are very grateful. Sensei, from day one of Fall Ball the PU knew we had struck gold in getting you to come teach us your ways. You have taught each of us so much in the short time we have all been together, and we are all better people because we have gotten the chance to be around you. You are knowledgeable about so many things and we all know we can come to you for advice on anything. We’re going to work on getting you that pitching laboratory you want, Steph and I are just waiting on that Powerball. You are one of the strongest willed men I’ve ever met; thank you for all of your hard work and everything you do for each of us. Coach Whaley, we are all very fortunate to have a coach like you among us. You know more about the game of baseball than anyone I have ever met and we truly appreciate everything you’ve done for us over the past four years. Coach Justin Krone, my freshman year throwing partner, bananaman, you have done so much for the program and for all of the PU. You are a great coach and an even better friend. I know you will be successful in whatever you decide to do in the future. SKOL farmers and volunteer fire fighters. Coach Jake, the first three years of my college career were awesome largely because of the opportunity to work with you every day. We are all happy for you and thank you for helping us to be successful in our endeavors.
    
To the entire athletic department, everything you do for us as athletes is not overlooked. I appreciate the hard work each of you display day in and day out.
    
To the alumni, you all have set a foundation for Cardinal baseball to continue to grow and improve. Without the hard work you all put in, the Cardinal program would not have the luxuries that we have today. We still play and work by the values you have instilled in us, and we have tried very hard to pass those values down to the younger Cardinals to solidify the culture here at Saint Mary’s.
    
To the freshmen, you have a chance to be something special. Your class reminds me a lot of our senior class: close knit, talented, and full of incredible guys. You are the future of Cardinal baseball, and I know you will make us proud.
    
Hottinger/Hots/Hotatata: I’m very glad you transferred to Saint Mary’s. You’re a true bro and a great friend. I’ll miss our trips to TBell and TJohns. Great times.

DJ/Lil’ Durk/Baby White-Tee:  First off, you’re the man. Secondly, you have a bright future kid. Keep swingin’ it and try to keep Elias in line. Hail SPASH and Drohner softball.
    
Heim/Heimer/Heimereiner: I admire your work ethic and I’m glad you’re a member of the PU. Make sure you invite me to hang out with you and Coach Krone in Lewiston soon. Very Fun.
    
Dixon/Ha-ha/Clinton: You go 100% all the time and I dig that. You’re one of the best defensive catchers I’ve ever thrown to and have the coolest nicknames ever. Legend.
    
Jesse/Jesseppe: Ladies-man, bilinguist, penalty box worker of the year, laundry-man, and one of the best kids ever. You’re the one guy who throws it longer than Daws. Keep chuckin’ and keep dancin’.
    
Petraitis/Jakey P/Pugi: When I found out you were Brady’s bud, I knew you were the man. Keep workin’ Jakey P, showout for the hometown boys. P.S. Nobody rocks the Timbs like Pugi.
    
Zeke/Zeekers/Chambles: You’re one of the funniest kids on the team no doubt. Keep bringin’ smiles to everyones faces Chambles. It’s not something everyone can do. And try not to pass out during shuttles.
    
Pilz/Nick?/Pilzy: PILZ ARE GOOOOOD! You’re one of the best throwing partners I’ve had Pilzy. Definitely better than Coach Krone. You’re an awesome guy, don’t be afraid to show it sometimes kiddo.
    
JKram n AKram: You guys work like nobody else. I see you two running like Forrest all the time and your work ethic will really pay off. Keep up the good work fellas.
    
Charlie/Chuckie/Good-Luck-Chuck: You are a living legend. One of a few good guys to ever come out of Mahtomedi. Keep doin’ your thing Chuckie.
    
Nolan/Russ: You are a competitor my man. I still remember how hard you cellied after a clutch double in Fall Ball.
    
Bailey/Bails/Melzer: Bails your work ethic and high energy really stands out. You’re always doin’ a little extra and that’s really going to pay off for you in the long run.
    
Eli/Elias/Ole’ Golden Arm: Well you’re definitely one of a kind. I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone like Eli Morison. When you speak I laugh, and that’s an awesome trait to have.
    
O.G/Joe Crack: I’m really glad you decided to manage this year. You are one of the funniest kids around and love golf. What more can I ask for? Watch over this class. Be their Richie.
    
To the sophomores, it has been really fun to see you all come into your own over the past year. Your class is full of promise and has guys capable of leading anybody. I’m excited to see what you all can accomplish next year.
    
Olsen/Johnny O.: THE LEGEND HIMSELF. Hangin’ out with you is always a pleasure Johnny. Fight through your injury man I know you will contribute in the future.
    
Nathan/Wigs/Wiggy/Wigatron: Get Wiggy wit’ it! Wigs you’re an awesome kid and I always enjoy our conversations. I love your sarcasm and think you have the best celly in the nation. Backdoor sliders.
    
Seegers/Seagrams/Seegerettes: Seegs you’ve definitely come into your own this year. You’re a phenomenal athlete and I’ll never forget your 197 pt. performance in intramural hoops.
    
Slowiak/Slows: I’ve had the chance to talk to you a decent amount and you’ve got a great head on your shoulders. Congratulations on your engagement and keep workin’. Go Cubbies.
    
Brother Kleves/Klevers: Two of the greatest guys on the planet. You two are great friends and really hard workers. You two will be successful in life, no doubt about it.
    
Mencacci/Jacko/Cacci: You literally give everything you’ve got every second of the day and I admire the heck out of that. You work like a marine and that’s going to take you places Jake.
    
Graz/Gr    izzy Grazzy: Graz I missed you this year man. You were always good for a great quote. I hope you can lace up the cleats next year.
    
Taschetta/Speedy Taz: You play a whoooooooooooooooole lot of The Show haha, but you are a really cool kid who has a strong work ethic. Don’t give up on hitting either, you’ll find it.
    
Barry/JBar/David’s Brother: I’ll definitely miss the thrill of that every AB home run power. Watching you hit BP is very fun. Keep takin’ hacks up there kid. Lead “The Nation.”
    
RJ/Jay: You know you’re my lil’ bro. Going to miss you next year for sure. Keep workin’ on that location and you’re going to be real good. GO Sox. Hail the Toddfather. World Champs 2016.
    
To the juniors, it has been an absolute pleasure getting through college with you. I feel that your class and our class have become very close over the last three years, and I am proud to call you all my close friends.
    
Blake/Mats: Blake although you drink basic feminine coffee drinks, you’re a swell guy. You’ve got a lot of natural talent and a sweet swing. Not to mention, you’ve got a little bit of style. I’ll give you a little bit.
    
Bob/Bobbo/BK: I’m really glad we lived together down in Florida. I feel like we got to know each other pretty well. You are a crazy athlete, and an even better friend and person. I’ll definitely miss playin’ that Denver D. Keep crushin’ the biscuit Bobby.
    
Jack/Jacky Legs/Jackomo: Cherry you’re my favorite kid to play pranks on cause I know you’re going to laugh ‘em off. I’m going to miss our talks about Finance and Accounting. Never forget Jack, in case of emergency, “Build apaches, raise more capital.”
    
Connor/Cons/Fat C: We’ve become really good friends this year Cons and I’m glad we have. You’re one of my favorite guys to be around and I’m definitely going to miss just hangin’ out and frolfin’.
    
Buerkle/Buerkdale/Buerky: Buerk I don’t know if I have ever gotten you out in the one hundred times I’ve faced you over the years. You are one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen, an unbelievable athlete, and a great friend. I’m going to miss hearing that Baby Buerk voice.
    
Primmer/Prim-Della: Prim it’s great to have you back in the PU this year. It’s probably for the best that first base didn’t work out for either one of us. I’ll always remember the Easter we spent at the Great Hunan. That was HEAT. We will have to get together for a Bulls v. Bucks game next year.
    
Austin/Apple Jacks/Cinnamon Stick: Jacobs you’re one of the funniest kids I know. You make me laugh every time we have a conversation. I remember going to JV games telling you if you keep working you’ll be a huge part of our team. Look at you now. I knew you could do it. Keep workin’ hard my man. I’ll miss ya.
    
Finally, to the seniors. MY GUYS! Well fellas, we’ve made it. We’ve had the chance to go through both struggles and happiness together, creating bonds that can be described as nothing less than brotherhoods. Each and every one of you has helped me, at one point or another, through these last four years and I will never be able to repay you guys for that. Each one of you brings something different to the table, and I think that is what separates this group of seniors from any other we have ever seen come through the Cardinal program. Words can’t describe how much I am going to miss you guys. Being able to see and talk to each of you every day has truly been a pleasure.
    
Frost/The Frost-ball/Frosty: You are an incredibly strong kid Frosty. The way you have handled yourself over the course of these past few months has been nothing short of admirable. You have values instilled in you that will allow you to be very successful in life. I know you’re going to be a great cop (Just don’t ever pull me over). You’ve got some of the best hands I’ve ever seen, a sweet golf swing, and you love those Fighting Irish. CHEER, CHEER FOR OLD NOTRE DAME. I’m excited for that trip up to the cities with you in about a month. Can’t wait to see ya. It’s bound to be one heck of a weekend.
    
Willie/Corn Willis/Wild Bill: Don’t even know where to start with you Will. You are one of the best guys out there without a doubt. You’re intelligent, unbelievably athletic, and one of the best friends anyone could ask for. You’ve developed into a true leader, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you. I’m really happy you’re such a big Cub fan (even though you kinda look like a South-Sider), because I’m going to be able to count on seeing you pretty often in the future. I’ll always look forward to the next opportunity I get to hang out with the legendary, one and only, Willie Doll. I’ll miss ya kid. Go Cubbies. And stay away from the light stuff.
    
Rolain/Rolls Royce/Rollie:  Roe-Tide, one of the few guys I’ve ever met who can repeatedly beat me in an argument. You’re going to be an incredible lawyer. You have outstanding work ethic, determination, and on top of all that you are very smart. You are always looking out for the boys, and are the first to reach out to someone when you see them struggling with something. I’m going to miss walking into the locker room and seeing you down there just waiting for me to walk in and play some NHL. Keep jammin’ to that Drake and keep being Rollie, I can promise you it will only do you well. Hopefully, I’ll see you soon. I’ll miss ya.
    
Ketchmark/Ketchup/Ketch-Daddy: Ketch you were one of my first friends from the baseball team. We had Calculus on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, freshman year. We became friends through our similar struggles in class, and I’ll just say I’m glad we struggled through that together. I’ll miss your sarcastic jokes and the way you can always make me laugh. You are one of my favorite people to talk sports with and you love Kevin Durant. Makes you alright in my book Ketch. I know you’re going to be successful in whatever you decide to do in the near future. Make sure you keep in touch brother.
    
Shawn/Shawny-Mo/ShoMo Show: Shawny, I am so happy you joined the Cardinal baseball program. You are a genius and your one-liners are unmatched. I haven’t ever seen anyone watch so much golf in class and still be able to ace the homework and exams. You are the man Shawn. I’ve never heard you say a bad thing about anybody and you always look to give compliments. You play the game with a smooth gracefulness that few can match, and your golf swing is made of gold. I know that you are going to do great things Shawny, and I can’t wait to see when you do. I’ll definitely miss hangin’ out from 1:45 to 3:00 every Tuesday and Thursday and can’t wait to see you for the tourney. Horns High baby.
    
Cale-Pie/Perz/LAU: OH WADDUP LAU! Oh man I’m going to miss yelling that at you all day long. You have previously told me that lau can be defined as “a name given to a person of great superiority.” Well my guy, you fit that mold perfectly, with the exception of your golf swing (which we will work on). You have been a great friend to me since day one, and I am going to miss seeing you stroll around in your casual, yet semi-formal apparel. You have a gift when it comes to public relations lau. You put together an amazing strike out cancer campaign, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with in your professional career. Whatever it may be, I’m going to be there to experience it. I better see you this summer. Hop in Will’s car for some good ole summer nights.
    
Peder/Pedey-Jones/Jonesey: What’s up little guy? I’m sorry, I just think that’s hilarious because you’re an absolute animal. You’re huge. But besides that, I have an indescribably large amount of respect for you Pedey. You are one of the hardest working people I have ever seen. At times throughout college, I’ve seen you squat 500 pounds, run 100 laps in one workout, and most recently, receive an offer to be a financial advisor for a nationally recognized investment firm! I am so happy for you my man and know you are going to absolutely kill it. I have had many good friends in my lifetime, but you sir are one of the best. Every time I see you, you ask me how I’m doing and I know that you genuinely care about how I respond. I’m going to miss talking to you every day Peder. You are definitely one of a kind. I know I’ll never meet another guy like Pedey-Jones.
    
AJ/Chef BoyRD/Red Dawg: My main man Reds, how we doin’? You are one of the most passionate people I have ever met. Whether it be about sports, politics, or journalism, you show passion when you talk about it. That is what is going to put you into a great position in your life. The degree of passion that you have is not something that everyone has, including myself. I envy you for that. That is why I know you are going to make a fantastic dictator for the new state of Illiwisco. Together, we will lift these Midwestern states from poverty, and form a new powerhouse both academically and athletically in the Big Ten Conference: THE University of Illiwisco Fighting Badgers. I know we joke about this, but I would be down to work with you any day of the week Reds. I’m going to miss you and those completely unnecessary hugs. Go Badgers.
    
Kevin Miley/Miles/Kevo: Kevin, when we heard you were transferring to Saint Mary’s, we heard about your talent as a baseball player and how great of a guy you were. Well Kev, it’s definitely safe to say that you lived up to the hype. You are legitimately the greatest guy on the planet. You never show any signs of negativity and that is something I admire you for. You have an uncanny ability to take things as they are, and that is undoubtedly going to lead you towards doing great things in your life. I hope one day you can be the Athletic Director for the Gophs, and that you call me up to do your budgets for you. And Kev, I’d do them for free. Just for you. As I always say, only legends have worn the number 12 here in the Cardinal program, and it was a pleasure playing with you. I hope to see you soon Kevo. P.S. Best beard in the MIAC.
    
Johnson/Benny J/Benny Twenty: Benny J baby. You’ve become a great friend of mine Benny and you’ve always had my back. We have had too many good times to count, and I can’t wait for the good times to come. If your career in winning Pull Tabs doesn’t work out for you, I know you are going to find success in whatever you decide to do. You have a great business mind and even greater determination. You might even have to come down to work with the boys in Chicago, I promise you won’t regret it. We are going to go buck wild at the casino next month. Be ready to be millionaires when we leave that place. We’re gonna take ‘em for everything they’ve got, whether they like it or not. I’m going to miss the classic Benny J, “OH YEAH BABAY” and “GOOD PLAY WILL” right when it leaves the hitter’s bat. I know we will be seeing each other in the near future, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’ll miss ya brother.
    
Tyler/Whitey/Lur/Home-Run King/Bunt King/King of Everything/Whitman: C’MOOOOON WHITE! I had to get it out one last time. Whitey we have become very good friends and I have truly enjoyed getting to know you. You are smarter than people give you credit for, and I know you are going to kill chiropractor school. You will have your own practice and it will be called “Whitey’s Place to Get Your Back Cracked.” It’s got a nice ring to it. I admire your toughness in battling through adversity and I admire the amount of work you put into everything you do. Your toughness and work ethic will allow you to do whatever you want to do Tyler. Take it from me, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m going to miss coming over and playing video games, going to wings, and watching the legendary bro bets. You’ve definitely become one of my best friends here Lur, and I hope we stay in touch. I’ll miss ya bud. P.S. While I don’t actually believe you have CTE, I wouldn’t mind taking a brain sample. Just sayin’.
    
Dawson/Cakes Awesome/Daws-Daddy: Daws, you were my first true friend on the baseball team. The first day of spring practice, you came up to me and introduced yourself. From that point on I knew you were a bro. You’ve become one of my closest friends and I appreciate everything you have ever done for me. You’re one of my favorite people to be around, and I’m really going to miss spending time with you, especially Adventure Time. You have brought out the best in me in my four years here. Never letting me get lazy; always pushing me to go the extra mile to be the best I can be. I am forever indebted to you, because I would not be who I am today without your friendship. I hope you know you can always come to me for anything you’d ever need and can’t wait for you to get a job down in Chicago. We will get that bachelor pad we always talked about. I can’t wait to see the places you go, your tenacity and competitiveness will allow you to take whatever it is that you want. You aren’t someone who is going to wait for things to fall into your lap, and that is going to pay off for you big time. I’ll really miss you Cakes, thank you for everything.
    
Fejt/Fejtty Wap/Darth Fejter: MY GUY. When I first heard you were transferring here, I knew we would have a great time with baseball. I had no idea that we would have as much fun off the field or that we would become such close friends. I can’t put into words how grateful I am to you for everything you’ve done for me in the two years you’ve been here. I won’t ever forget our Sunday Adventure Times, the road trips to and from school, or the nights we drafted fantasy teams in the Show. I’m very glad we live so close because I know we will see a lot of each other this summer and I know we will make the most of it. You will definitely have to come home in late October to come to some World Series games with me. It’s definitely going to happen. I can’t wait for summer nights at Doc’s and the Cell. It has been one heck of a ride Ry, and I want you to know I really thank you for pushing me at all times during baseball. It has made me a better overall person today. Unfortunately for you, I can’t say I’ll miss you, because I’ll be riding home with you…
    
Alex Zappa/Zappa Flow/Xander: Well Alex, it’s been a quick four years my man. I remember that first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. Saw you down in the game room swooning the ladies. We all thought, “this guy, right here, that’s the guy we wanna hang out with.” And it could not have worked out any better man. We’ve had so much fun over these four years. I still remember the first frolf round, we teamed up for a score of -1. Still one of the prime rounds I’ve ever seen on that monster. There are so many memories that I will take away for the rest of my life, and I can’t thank you enough for all the little things you’ve done for me over the years. I know you will kill it in your professional career and I’m excited to see what life has in store for you. I know we will be in touch, and can’t wait for that golf tourney. I’ll miss ya. My guy, Z-Flow.  
    
Ricky/Richie/Yung *ick: I’ve been very fortunate to have you by my side throughout this collegiate experience. When we came on that visit as juniors, we said that we would have a ton of fun at this place. We have definitely done just that Rick. From the countless hours spent in the bluffs to the time spent at baseball, we have found a way to have the time of our lives. I’ll never forget the memories we’ve made here. You’ve been there for me since day one at SMU, and have always had my back in every situation. You have no clue how appreciative I am for everything you’ve done for me. I know I can be difficult to live with at times, and I honestly don’t know how you’ve lived with me for three years. But, I can say I wouldn’t have wanted to live with anyone else man. I’ve had the rare opportunity of watching you become the man you are today. It all started 8 years ago when your locker was sandwiched between Brett and I, the two widest humans in the joint. I’m just glad that you got put in that position, because we probably wouldn’t have become as good of friends as we did. They say people come into your life for a reason, and I firmly believe that is the case with you. You truly have a gift when it comes to your commentary and production work, and I’m so jacked up for you that you landed that internship! It won’t be long before you get one of those fancy CBS jackets we always talk about. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and am lucky to call you one of my best friends.
    
Steph/Scuba Steve/Chapo/Steve-O: I’m so glad we’ve been able to go through college together Steph, and I am forever indebted to you for helping me get the opportunity to play college baseball. I know that without you, I would not be writing this right now. What I’m going to miss most about seeing you every day is the simple normal conversations we would have. Every time I talk to you, I know you are going to say one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard in my life. I’ve been able to come to you with anything throughout our time here, and you’ve always been able to give me an answer that you truly think will help me. It’s hard to find friends like that, and I’m very glad I got one in you. Some of my favorite Scuba memories: You ripped Stephen Leyh’s shirt right off his body in high school. That’s what he gets for wearing that dollar tree dress shirt I guess. The countless hours spent watching Tropic Thunder. The time you tried to kill Zaps by driving full speed down that hill on the Green Monster and flipping that cart. The seat you were sitting on flew fifty yards down the fairway. I still don’t know how you survived. And then you drove that cart all the way back and we hid it behind other carts as it backfired every time you pressed the pedal. The roof was almost broken off, and smoke was pouring from the engine. Now that is the funniest thing I have ever seen in the entirety of my life.  I know I can be difficult at times, and I thank you for bearing with me all four years here. You’re an incredible athlete, and an even better friend. I know you will be successful in whatever you decide to do, and when you land a job we are going to the Cell to celebrate. Can’t wait to see what the future has in store my man.
    
I’m going to miss all of my teammates way more than I’ll ever miss the game of baseball. But, at the end of our careers, I think that is the true point of baseball all along. Baseball isn’t supposed to leave us with trophies and records. Baseball is supposed to leave us with something much better: great memories and even better friendships. I will miss you all dearly, my guys.
    
—Pow