Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

You never really realize how tough “growing up” is until you experience it first-hand. While I undoubtedly still have plenty of “growing up” to do, part of the whole process is ending old chapters and starting new ones. However, closing the baseball and college chapters for me has been the hardest one yet.
    
When athletes say that their sport, “isn’t just a game”, I understand now fully what they mean. Some people may think it’s a cliché, but really is true. The game of baseball has given me so much more than what I could’ve ever imagined. Playing this game for 15 years has taught me an infinite amount of life lessons while also allowing me to meet and play alongside some of the greatest people anyone could ask for. Words cannot explain the love I have for this game or the love I have for the people who I’ve been blessed enough to meet along the way. For those who are mentioned in the following salute along with those I fail to mention, thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing a role in my life and contributing to the person, teammate, and player I am today.
    
Mom and Dad: Thank you for everything. You guys have given me the greatest childhood a kid could ask for. As I attempt to transition into manhood, I want you guys to know that you’ve given me more than I could have ever expected. From the games of catch in the backyard and rides to the ballparks as a kid to giving me the opportunity to come to Saint Mary’s, thank you so much. I know I don’t say thank you enough and no matter how many times I do, it won’t do it justice how grateful I am. I love you guys.
    
Mom- I know this chapter in my life ending will be just as sad, if not sadder, for you than it will be for me. Thank you for always being my number one fan, not to mention the probably thousands of Gatorades that you’ve given to me before damn near every game of my career. Regardless of how tired you were from work or how busy you were, you always found time to play catch and hit me grounders in the backyard as a kid, which is some thing I will remember forever. You and Dad always said that my hard work would pay off, and you were right.
    
Dad- First off, I know that you couldn’t attend as many games throughout my childhood and career as you would’ve liked to. I know that you wanted to be there the whole time, but sometimes your work didn’t allow you to. You had to make sacrifices for our family and I understood that, even at a young age. Thank you for instilling several of life’s values in me that make me the person I am today. You are truly the most passionate, dedicated and hard-working person that I know; you’d do anything for our family. And as I’m getting older, I’ve come to realize that you’re actually pretty funny too. It’s crazy that you can still have the sense of humor that you have when you’re constantly running on a maximum of three hours of sleep. I can’t wait to experience more laughs and lessons in my upcoming years with you, but as your favorite musician, Bob Dylan, says, “the times they are-a-changin”. You’re also where I get my love of black coffee from, so thanks for that too.
    
Dana: Thank you for being such a great older sister. You’ve taught me many things throughout my life that I wouldn’t have ever learned if I didn’t have you. The phrase that the oldest sibling in a family is a test dummy in life for the younger one never rang truer for any siblings than it did for us. You are incredibly passionate and smart, and even though it probably doesn’t seem like it, I look up to you. I’m still waiting for you to teach me how to correctly set a volleyball though, because I can’t frickin do it; but I’ll get there someday. I’m looking forward to see what you will do in your future career because regardless of what you do or where you’ll be, I know you’ll be successful. Love you big sis.
    
Former Coaches and Teammates: To all of the coaches and teammates I’ve had throughout my time playing baseball, from youth to college ball, thank you for all of the good times. When I left high school and started college, I didn’t think that I’d ever experience the camaraderie and friendship that I did while playing with you guys, but luckily I did. You guys have a very special place in my heart. To my former Saint Mary’s teammates- thank you for always being guys that I could look up to. You guys made the transition from home to college much easier because of your incredibly genuine personalities. I can only hope to leave this program with the legacy and impression that you guys made on me and the rest of the underclassmen.
    
Joey Miley: JOE!!!! Thank you for always being my wingman. Even though you hated me our entire time as roommates, we eventually found some common ground and got along. Our countless inside jokes are one of the pillars of our friendship, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Can’t wait for many more good times together in the future and always remember, YOU WILL PROSPER!
  
Coach Winecke: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for the Saint Mary’s baseball program. You’ve helped me improve an immense amount both as a person and player over my four years here, more than I could’ve ever imagined. You always knew how to get the most out of me as a player, something no coach I’ve ever had knew how to do, so thank you for that.
    
TJ: Even though I’ve only had one season with you as my coach, you’ve taught me a lot in that small period of time. You are one of my biggest role models because of the things you value in life and how you handle different forms of adversity. It was an honor to work alongside you with the Strikeout Cancer event, as it was a very enriching experience. I’m looking forward to watching you excel at coaching in the future, because you will excel.
    
Coach Whaley: You have the smartest baseball mind of anyone that I know. Somehow, you know whenever someone is going to steal or throw over to first; sometimes I think you have mind-reading abilities. You’ve taught me many things both on and off the field. The way you value family is probably the biggest thing that will resonate with me. I can only hope to be the person and coach that you are some day.
    
Krone:    The passion that you have for Saint Mary’s baseball does not go unnoticed. You put in more time and energy in this program than most people, including me, can imagine. I’ve been lucky enough to play both alongside and under you in my time here. Thanks for everything.
    
Coach Jacobsen: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Saint Mary’s baseball program. For some reason you recruited me and I cannot be more grateful for the opportunity that you’ve given me. You played a huge role in helping me transition to being away from home as well as helping me grow as a player, thanks Jake.
    
Freshmen: Hots (kind of), Johnny, Dixon, Jesse, Pugi, Zeke, Jake, Chuckie, Andy, Bailey, Eli, and OG- your class reminds me a lot of our senior class. You guys have a large amount of talent and an even greater amount of potential. You guys are also extremely hard working and as a senior, we notice those things right away. You even have your own version of Ricky (OG ?). Keep that same work ethic up and you guys will accomplish some great things over your time here, I’m sure of that. Thanks for being such a great freshman class, the upperclassmen couldn’t have asked for more from you guys.
    
Hots- I love your pride for Wisco but even I think you might have to cool it a little with the tweets, I like the Badgers too but my Lord.
    
Johnny- please try to keep DJ in line over your next three years together. I trust you’ll do the job. You’re oozing with potential and I’m excited to see what you can do in the future.
    
Dixon- keep working your tail off, buddy. It’s not common for a freshman to be put in at the end of a crucial conference game at the catcher position and you did awesome. I’m excited to see you grow as both a person and player over your next three years here.
    
Jesse- your poise on the mound is something I’ll never forget. It’s not easy for a freshman to make their first collegiate start against a really good opponent, but you excelled with the utmost confidence. Keep working hard, bud.
    
Pugi- it was fun getting to be your roommate in Wheaton, even though you slept most of the time.
    
Zeke- I wish I could’ve got to know you better this year, but one thing I do know about you is that you have a great work ethic. You’ve improved a lot from last fall so continue to work hard and good things will happen my man.
    
Jake- I have no clue how you eat so much food. Besides Steph, you ate the most out of anyone in our room in Florida and I have no idea where you put it. Once your elbow gets better I know you’ll be a big arm on the staff in the future, keep working hard.
    
Chuckie- You are truly the best dabber I’ve ever seen. Even though you seem shy, I’ve realized that you’re actually pretty outgoing, if you’re DJ’s roommate, you have no other choice. You’re welcome for the lunch box.
    
Andy- your work ethic will soon pay off. Keep putting in the work and your time will come, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
    
Bailey- You’re a grinder, and, in my opinion, that’s one of the best compliments anyone can say about someone. You work extremely hard and it’s definitely paying off, keep it up.
    
Eli- locker buddy ?. I remember the day you visited and since then, it’s been fun getting to know you. Keep the hard work and GIF tweets up.
    
OG- I’ve only known you for a couple of months but I feel like I’ve known you forever. Your smile and personality truly lighten up my day and people can’t help but smile when they’re around you. Hopefully you give me a holler if you’re ever in Plover, I’ll be sure to make time to see you.
    
DJ- Fellow SSB, Lau, and Gosh-Darn, I’m glad you decided to come here. Even though it took me awhile to come around and like you, I’m happy I did. You’re a great player and an even better kid. You’d do anything for me and I can honestly say that I didn’t think our friendship would grow into what it’s become. Enjoy your last summer playing legion, it’ll be a blast. If you ever have any questions or just want to talk when you’re lonely in the future, I’m only one call away. Keep working hard and you’ll excel in the future. Also, keep the SPASH swag going at Saint Mary’s for the next few years, someone’s gotta do it so I pass the torch to you.
    
Johnny O- You’ve already improved so much in your two years here. Thanks for the many laughs during my time in the infield, continue to get better, man.
    
Wiggy: You’re one of the most intelligent baseball players I’ve ever played with. Keep doing your thing on the mound and you’ll continue to see the success that you’ve been seeing. It’s great when you show emotion on the mound because it’s such a rarity, so keep it that way. It makes it even better when it seldom happens, kind of seeing a rain bow or witnessing a shooting star.
    
Seegs- Playing a position like shortstop is never easy, especially when you do it as an underclassman. You’re hard work in the offseason has been on display with the success that you’ve had this year. It’s always fun turning those double plays with you because I know after we complete it, I’ll always see you smiling ear to ear, which is something I’ll always remember about you. Keep up the hard work and you’ll experience even more success on the field in your upcoming years. Maybe after you graduate we can start a campaign or something together for the Badgers to get a baseball team again.
    
Slow- I remember the first time I met you at the Plover tournament the summer before your freshman year. I was excited to get another Wisco boy on the squad. You genuinely care about how my day is going or how my tests went, which is something I’ll never forget. Keep working hard and your time will come soon.
    
Al- I can always count on you to put a smile on my face. I’ve never seen you in a bad mood and you’re always smiling. Never change. I’ll always have mad respect for you because of the fact that you had to share a womb and a childhood with Joe, I don’t know how you did/do it.
    
Joey Kleve- You’re so damn sarcastic, but I love it. Alex is by far the better-looking twin but if you keep working hard, maybe some day you’ll be in the same league as him. Don’t count on it, though.
    
Mencacci- You play the game the right way. Your work ethic and leadership is something that can’t be taught, and you’re already a leader on this team. We also have a mutual love for Niykee Heaton. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do in the future both on and off the field, because you will succeed. Keep grindin’, man.
    
Taschetta- You play more video games than anyone I know, but it sure pays off. I have yet to see anyone beat you in chel and it’ll probably never happen. Continue your same work ethic on the field and your time will come very soon.
    
J Bar- I’ve never played with anyone who can down a Dew or energy drink literally minutes before a practice or game, but hey, it works for you. You’ve already had success on the field but in my opinions it’s only been the tip of the iceberg for you. I’m excited to see what you can do in the future. Keep DJ in line over there at one-bagger.
    
R.J.- I had a great time getting to know you in Florida. I can always count on one of your Mr. Krabs retweets to get me to laugh. You have an incredible amount of potential and I know you’ll have success in the future.
    
Blake- I’m glad I got to know you a lot better this year. Throughout our time in Leslie’s class to our room in Florida, we’ve had our fair share of laughs together. We also have similar style, which speaks for itself. I’m really going to miss kicking your butt in chel after class every day, but maybe we can figure something out with being able to play against each other online in the future. Hope we stay in touch, brother.     
    
Bobbo- There’s no doubt that you’ve brought a spark to our team this year. I’m happy I got to know you from last year. Our friendship surprisingly started with Joe and those weird videos. Keep crushing baseballs and burying goals on the ice, man.
    
Cher Buddy- Oh man. We’ve come such a long way from your freshman year when you never finished a drill in the outfield, which seemed to always lead to us getting yelled at. You’re now one of my closest friends on the squad and we have some unbelievable convos in the outfield together. We’ve even had encounters without words that have strictly been just yelling and making noises at each other. Thank you for introducing me to the song, “Confessions”, and also for the bonding time we had on our ride back from Hopkins that one time. I can’t wait to live in the Twin Cities so we can have even more great times together in the future. Love you, buddy.
    
Connor- You’re one of the hardest workers on the team. You never fail to make me laugh whether we’re giving Reds crap or just talking about other stupid stuff. I like that we have a mutual love for, “Head Over Boots”, and the fact that we can talk about just about anything. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the person you are and the way you play the game. Hope we can stay in touch, brother. PS: thanks for the Twix ?
    
Prim- Prim Della, BP3, Leg, you have many nicknames. Our friendship has grown so much over this year and I’m extremely happy it has. I know that no matter where I’m watching a Packer game in the future, that I can text you throughout it and talk crap about players on opposing teams. We are members of the select few Brewer fans on our team and we can drown in the Crew’s misery together forever. Can’t wait for more memories to be made in the future, man. GP frickin G.
    
Jacobs- Our relationship has recently blossomed into a mutual chirping session, but I love it. No matter what is said, I like that you don’t ever take it too seriously. You’ve helped me throughout some small off-the-field issues this year, which I’ll always be thankful for. On the field, you’ve improved more than anyone. It’s truly great to see. Keep working hard and improving, man. Don’t expect me to ever take it easy on you, though.
    
Stevie- You’ve been our go-to guy on the bump for our entire careers here, and you’ve never altered the way you play the game. You approach each start with a level-headedness that I envy. I wish we would’ve hung out more often as underclassmen, but Willie and I were too scared to leave our room in Benilde. Off the field, we’ve shared an endless amount of laughs both in and out of the classroom. Much of those laughs stemmed from our inside jokes with Leslie, though. I hope we can keep in touch after graduation and maybe we could even get together and take some hacks on the links. Love ya, lau.     
    
Frosty- I’m so proud of you, man. You’ve experienced more adversity in one season than most people endure in a lifetime. But you’ve handled it unbelievably well. This season was a test, but my God, you aced it. You never let everything affect the way you played the game, and I’m so happy for you. I can still remember meeting you our freshman fall when you were rapping “No Lie” at second base along with the countless hours we spent playing COD together. You were one of my first good friends here and I’m so glad I met you. Sorry Plover beat Moline in the National Regional, we’re just better. If I ever get pulled over in the state of Illinois later in life, I’ll mention your name and I’ll expect you to help me out. I’ll really miss ya man but I hope we can stay in touch. Love you, bro.
   
Rollie- We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? From Benilde to the New, our friendship has grown like the perennial weeds in the butterfly garden. Even though you seem to always be the butt of every joke in 201, you take it well and you know we love ya. I’m looking forward to more times together in the Twin Cities where we’ll tear it up. Love ya, lau.
    
Ketch-    I have nothing but respect for you, man. Not a day went by in our four years that you didn’t come to practice to work your tail off. You don’t get enough credit for everything you’ve done for this program. It never went unnoticed. I’ll never forget the work ethic that you brought to practice every single day. I admire you. Love you, brother.
    
Shawny Mo- “Ay, anybody ever heard this track?”, “you’ll get there”, “never heard of her”, “maybe next year”, “get better, Will”, you are the true king of one-liners. I think everyone can agree that your presence on our team is loved and needed. You always bring a sense of subtle-cockiness and swagger with you to the park day in and day out that our team feeds off of. Whenever there’s tension in the dugout, you’re always there to break it with one of those infamous one-liners. I’m glad our friendship has grown into what it has and I plan on continuing making many memories with you down the road for a long, long time. Love you, scotch bro. Keep those horns high.
    
Daws- Remember when you were a dual guy freshman year? There’s no doubt in my mind that you can still swing it a little bit, they just have to give you a chance. You’ve been one of our horses since day one and you approach the game with a fire and intensity that I love to watch. Off the field, we’ve made plenty of memories as well. Can’t wait to take a trip Up North this summer with you and the rest of the boys. I know we’ll stay in touch. Love ya, lau.
    
Pow- You may be the most intelligent player that I’ve ever played with. Even though you don’t get as many innings as you’d like, you still find a way to make us better. You’re a calming presence in the dugout that people gravitate towards, especially when things start to go the wrong way. You’re undoubtedly a leader on our team. You’ve spawned and maintained my interest in techno music, I can always count on you to play a banger. We’ve recently had some barn-burners of chel matchups, but that hasn’t torn us apart at all. In fact, I think they’ve brought us closer together. I know we’ll stay in touch and maybe sometime you can show me around the Chi. Love ya, lau.
    
Johnson- You and Whitey were the first people Willie and I ever talked to freshman year. You guys were kind of in the same boat as us because you were friends coming into freshman year here, which I think brought us together from the start. The intensity you bring to the field is something that you have for your passions off the field as well, whether it’s watching the TPups, Twins, or Gophs as they’re getting spanked. Your laugh is contagious and is one of the reasons why people gravitate towards you on and off the field. I have no idea how you’ve lived with Whitey for four years, though. Props for that. Can’t wait to make more memories in the Cities with ya. Love you, man.
    
Whitey- First and foremost, Whitey, we make fun of you because we love you. Not because we’re picking on you. You usually always bring a smile to everyone’s face, unless you’re crabby. You and Johnson were the first people that Willie and I hung out with freshman year, and I’m glad we did. Since then, we’ve made a ton of memories both on and off the field. Most of which end in you getting upset because we made fun of you, though. We both love to pull the ball to left, so we also have that in common. I’m looking forward to seeing you down the line at Twins’ games in the future and I know we’ll keep in touch. Love you, Tyler.
    
Fejt- Ever since you transferred here, we’ve been good friends. I wish we could’ve had that extra year with you, though. Our time together in Schild’s classes have been a blast, most of the time. On the field, you’re one of our most reliable arms out of the pen. Gotta love seeing that head of hair toe the rubber for the squad. Bad news for the other team. You’re one of the most genuine and caring guys on the team and I’m beyond happy that you decided to transfer here. We’ll stay in touch in the future. Love ya, lau.
    
Pete- I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as outgoing as you are, man. You never fail to put a smile on people’s faces whenever you seem them. You are one of the most kind and friendly people I’ve ever met and I’m happy our friendship has grown into what it’s become. We’ve spent countless class periods sitting next to each other either in Schild’s or Beckman’s courses. You’re also the one person that can usually tame Reds when he gets out of control. We’re so close, our moms are even friends now. I’d also take you on my side of the line of scrimmage any day if we were to play some pigskin. I know we’ll stay in touch in the future and I can’t wait to see what you do. Whatever you end up doing in life, I know you’ll be successful. Love you, man.
    
Red- Red Dawgggg! I can truly say that you are one of a kind. You’re the epitome of unique. I’ve never met anyone like you, ever. From your passion for the Badgers and politics to your ever-yearning need for a Carlton hug, you’re one of a kind. Regardless of what kind of day I’m having, I know that you’ll cheer me up with your infamous, “You know what the good news is?... I still love ya,” phrase. Damn, I’m going to miss the hell out of that. I’m still in shock as to how you went through college for two years without a backpack. But hey, if anyone could do it, it’s you. I’m so happy I met you because you’re one of my best friends now, mostly due to our mutual love for the Badgers and our identical class schedules…funny how that worked out, huh? I know we will keep in touch in the future and I can’t wait to come visit Madtown to see you down the road. Love you, Reds. Don’t you ever change.
    
Slick Rick- Rick, if we did a campus-wide poll, I’m pretty sure you’d be voted as the most well liked guy at Saint Mary’s. You’ve done so many things outside of baseball on campus, which is why it was no surprise that you landed your internship. I can’t wait to turn on the TV in the future and see your face on ESPN. In addition to all your hard work around campus, you also have been our go-to manager for four years. You do a lot for the program and it doesn’t go unnoticed. We had so many classes together throughout our four years here and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m going to miss sitting in class with you and giving Reds a hard time. I can never say thank you enough for when you let me stay at your house that one time after the Sox game, you did me a huge favor. Hopefully you can make a trip up to Point and we can go to the brewery or something. If not, I know I’ll be down in Chicagoland for several Cubs games in the future. I know we’ll stay in touch, brother. Best of luck with the internship, go get yourself a southern belle. Love ya, man.
    
Beanie- Remember that time I lived at your house for a week? That was dank. Throughout our three years together, we’ve had an infinite amount of inside jokes and laughs. Pretty much every other sentence we say to each other is related to some sort of inside joke in some way. Although we’ve had some fun years in the past, none were better than this year. Our first time as roommates didn’t disappoint. We even sit next to each other on the bus this year! Throughout my entire life, I’ve never met a person or played with a player like you. You’re extremely humble and on the rare occasion that you do show emotion, it’s usually just a slight glare at an ump. While most people know how good you are, I don’t think a lot of people see and realize how much work you put into it. Your work ethic and commitment are what sets you apart from anyone else that I’ve ever played with. There’s a reason you have the success you do. Meeting and playing with you have undoubtedly made me a better person off the field and player on the field. The way you handle yourself is admirable and even though you’re younger than me, I look up to you. The work ethic that you have on the field also translates directly off the field and in the classroom. The several texts I’ve sent you this year asking when you’ll be back from the library were real, because you spent a lot of time there and I actually missed you. I’ve also never heard anyone scream as loud as you do. It’s really something to see for those that haven’t witnessed it. I’m also still a little bitter about when Rosetown beat Plover in the New Ulm tournament, but I won’t talk too much about that. I’m glad I got the pleasure of meeting you and becoming your friend. You’re certainly one of my closest. Can’t wait to make many more memories with you in the future, love you Beanie.
    
Kev- Thanks for scumming us and graduating early. I was incredibly sad when last year ended because I thought it was going to be my last with you on a baseball field. But, thank God for small favors, you came back. It’s safe to say that you’re one of my best friends and I’m happy our friendship has blossomed the way it has over the past couple of years. You are the founder of ‘Vers Thurs’ as well as the source for countless inside jokes and laughs. Your smile lights up a room whenever you enter it and you are truly the best person I know. Still can’t believe Scans picked ROE over you, not a wise choice. I hope you know how much your friendship means to me. I could literally take up a page referring to our thousands of inside jokes but I’ll spare Donny the white space. You’re simply amazing. I ice you.
    
Willie- How did we get here? What do you mean we’re graduating? It’s been one long and unpredictable road. From our depression days back in Benilde to when people let us coach youths together to now, we’ve been through a helluva lot together. I really don’t know where to begin. Remember when we were 10-year-olds and you made me cry after the last out in the league championship? We were undefeated until then! Yeah, you scummed me. If someone were to tell me 10 years ago that we’d be roommates and best friends for four years, I never would’ve believed them. Funny how things work out. We even drove halfway across the damn country together once, good times. Still sorry about the night terror I had sophomore year, but I think it’s time for you to get over it. It happened to me, not you. Or how about the time when your old Honda just blew a tire out of nowhere and we had to drive it along highway 61 at 10 mph until we got to Wal-Mart? I could probably go on for a while about all of our college experiences together, but I won’t. In all seriousness, I’m glad it all worked out the way it did. I consider myself extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to spend all four years of my college life as your roommate and friend. I know Phil is looking down on you with a smile on his face, oozing with pride knowing what kind of person you’ve become. He’s probably also wondering why and how the hell we became such good friends. Everyone knows what kind of player you are on the field but few know what kind of person you are off of it. Not many people can say that they’ve had the same roommate (and shared a room) with the same person all four of their college years. As our baseball and college careers end, I know one thing for sure: the memories won’t. I’m extremely proud and happy to call you my best friend. Love you, bro.