Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

As many of you know, I have a different role on the team. I came into the program as a freshman not looking to play, rather wanting to manage. I have never played the game on an organized team but I love the game of baseball and I hope to coach someday. Now that my days at SMUMN are over, I have been reflecting back at all that baseball has done for me. I don’t believe I would be the same person without managing the team for the last four years.
    
To all the players that came before me, thank you. This program would not be the same without the hard work and dedication before I came here. Specifically to Taylor Thelemann, thanks for getting me through PR. I can’t wait to play in the golf tourney next summer. And hopefully we can have that golf blog. David Barry, last year senior week was awesome! Dude you are such a bro and thanks for being a GG.
    
To Donny, thank you for the opportunities you have provided me with in my three years. You are the best SID in the MIAC. Thanks for spending the time to talk with me all semester long. I’ll keep in touch.
    
The Coaches
    
Coach Winecke: Thank you for giving me and opportunity to be a part of this team. I managed in high school and I really wanted to continue my involvement in the game, and thanks to you I was able to. You have taught me a lot about the game of baseball and life. I know so much more about baseball now than after high school. I have passed down all I know about being a manager to OG, so you are in good hands for the next three years. Best of luck with baseball and your family, and sorry for hitting you with the rookie.
    
Coach Oakes: I am so glad you came to coach here. Senior year would not be as special without you coming to this program. I have learned so much about baseball and more importantly about life from you in your short time here. Thanks for always making me feel a part of the PU. My mechanics have gotten better as the year went on. If we had a few more years you might have been able to crank up my velo. I have never met a coach so down to earth, you get it. Some day you will make an incredible head coach. I will miss stopping by your office and talking for hours at a time, usually just messing around but sometimes it was productive! Every day you bring a positive energy to practice and you always find a way to make me laugh. You have an uncanny ability to express your knowledge of the game to young people, which is a special talent that not all coaches have. Thanks for all you have taught me and best of luck in life, I hope to remain in contact down the road.
    
Coach Krone: “banana man” Thank you for all you do for this program Krone. I have had the pleasure of seeing you pitch in your senior year, to seeing you pass on your knowledge to the younger guys as a coach now. You are a smart hard working guy and I respect that! I wish you continued success both as a coach and at the farm. Best of luck Krone and thanks for all the good times.
    
Coach Kevin: “Managerial Miles” I am so glad you came back this year. I am upset that you did not get to play, but you were able to pioneer the “Kevin Miley Rule” in the MIAC for similar situations in the future. This year I was able to really develop a friendship. We have always been friends but this year we got a lot closer. You are a great guy Kevin and you will be a great coach someday. I wish you the best of luck buddy and I hope to see you in the future.
    
The Players (in numerical order)
    
Blake Matuska:”Hello Blank!” Keep bringing the same positive energy to the team next year as you did this year. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know you and making fun of the Wild.
    
Steph Scatassa: “Scat man Jones” Well we finally made it. We have been waiting for this end of school for so long! “I ain’t come here to play school” haha. Our friendship goes way back to freshmen year at St. Joes. I think our first encounter was walking to the old building for gym class and you wanted a snus and I said no you’ll waste it! Who would’ve thought? Italian class was where we really started becoming friends. “volante Pecse” Playing football together was great too. You threw me my first and only offensive touchdown. Thank God we quit football when we did, before all that concussion stuff came out. We then took up the game of golf and that’s where our friendship really took off. Golfing with you is one of my favorite things to do. We always have a fun time, whether we shoot well or like a bagillion over par. We haven’t always been the smartest pair. Like all the heists and stuff like that but we both feel like we “get it” so we’re fine. Over these last eight years I have been able to watch you develop from a high school pitcher to a college ace. Your stuff has gotten real nasty and your mental game has gotten even better. I don’t know where life will take us but I’m pretty sure we will end up doing something together down the road. I will miss you this summer but when I get back we are going golfing, a lot. I am so glad we are finally done with school. Welcome to the real world, Steve, I can’t wait to get into trouble with you. See you when I get back from Georgia.
    
Bob Kinne: “Time to shark it up, Bob.” I didn’t really know you until baseball season started but since the Florida trip we quickly became good buddies. We have had some fun procrastinating homework and playing pool or 2k in the LR. Not only are you a great athlete, but you are a great guy. You have always been gracious with your time when I would ask to interview you or when I would ask for some insight on the hockey team. You guys have a great chance at making it back to the MIAC Championship game nest year for hockey, I wish you the best of luck.
    
Frost: “Suck it Frost!” Man that will never get old! I have liked you since the day I met you but I’ve also hated you as well haha but I’m pretty sure you are going to say the same about me. I mean how can you be from Illinois and not like any Chicago sports teams? I’ll probably never understand that. But in all seriousness you are a great guy Frost and you stay true to who you are. You are going to be a good cop someday. When it comes to golf however, we see eye to eye. We have had some fun rounds at Lewiston with Thelle and the boys back in the day. I look forward to having some outings in the future pal.
    
Jack Cherry: “What did I tell you?!?!?” Oh man Jack has it been a fun three years of knowing each other. Watching Goodfellas and The Godfather were some of the best times. Us Italians, you know, we gotta stick together. My day is always brighter when I get to see ya. There have been so many times where we have died laughing together about anything. While your common sense can be sharpened, you have a great heart.  You are going to be one of the leaders next year so embrace that role. I wish you the best of luck wherever life takes you, never change Jack and I can’t wait to hangout in the future.
    
Connor Christenson: “Aloha Mr. Hand!” For a little guy you pack quite the punch. You are one of the most unique dudes I’ve ever met. You are a natural leader Connor and that will carry you a long way in life. I have enjoyed playing hockey in your room, you have a great setup for it. I wish we could have frolfed more but when we did it was always a great time. To that point anytime with you was a good time. Enjoy senior year and embrace your leadership role on the team.    
   
Ben Buerkle: “We’re here with big boy Ben Buerkle, Ben you’re gunna go to Florida soon … Yah Ricky I’ve been there once before, it was so much fun.” Ben that interview we did in the LR right before Florida was the funniest video I’ve ever done. It is the perfect skit. Over the years I’m glad we got to record you doing that voice on camera as much as we did. Besides all the joking, it has been a great three years getting to know you. You are a down to earth kid with a great work ethic. Hanging out at Zappa’s lake house was fun (until I broke my phone). Early in your freshmen year, we ran into each other frolfing, those were the days. This year we had some epic battles on the pool table with Willie and Powers. I’m truly going to miss seeing you every day because it’s going to be a “good minute” until I see you again haha. Best of luck next season bud, and please take good care of Jack.
    
Willie Doll: “Hey Will, you’re leading off and starting in center.” No better way to start the game off than that. Will, we have grown closer as friends throughout our four years here. Whether it was complaining about school, talking about the Cubs (WE ARE WINNING IT ALL IN 2016), or making fun of Cale we seem to always agree. I think it was sophomore year when we started throwing curveballs for strikes in the outfield during BP. You got a nasty duce man—the “Dahh” grunt made the pitch even better—too bad TJ never gave you a chance on the mound.  We have had some pretty great times outside of Saint Mary’s as well. That Cubs game in May was sweet dude, Addison Russell has been my guy since that walk-off double. Going to the Hawk’s Nest to watch the playoff game may have been the greatest night with the SMUBoyz. It has been an amazing four years at school man, I cannot wait for all the good times we will have together after graduation. See you in Wrigley Ville in October.
    
Alec Rolain: “Roe Tide Baby!” Well we made it from our Benilde days—in the lesser of the two wings—now into senior year at the new. It has been quite the journey and we have had some fun times along the way. Keep working hard in law school, I know you will go far! I’ve always enjoyed stopping by your room this year either to watch Harry Potter, the Cubs, or whatever else was on.
    
Blake Primmer: “Primdella Prim homie!” Primmmmmas, we have the best handshake in the MIAC (and the best hug). Last year getting to manage with you was a lot of fun, we really grew closer as teammates and friends. This year was a bit different, and I was upset with you for making the team, but I didn’t hold that grudge too long! I have given you a lot of crap this year (all in good taste) and you have dished it right back. We have had a lot of fun messing around over the last three years. You are a great guy and I wish you the best of luck in your senior year. Have fun and keep being you!
    
John Olsen: “Johnny O, you’re a legend!” Johnny you are a great guy, and I’ve known so since day one. You may not always have your head on straight but you are real, and never trying to be someone you’re not. I respect you for coming to baseball and working hard every day. Keep grinding.
    
Nathan Mathwig: “Mathwig is cold-blooded, he does not have a soul.” Not to be cynical Math, but when you get on the mound I am afraid for the opposing hitters. Your all-out mentality is very impressive and motivating to the rest of the team. When you are not on the mound, you are a kind, and funny kid. You are a man of few words, but the few words you do say are dense and meaningful. I wish you continued success in your career at Saint Mary’s and into your life in the “real world.”
    
Joe Seegers: “OK Joe, only two more left!” Seegs I have really gotten to know you over this year. Eating breakfast nearly every morning with you has been one of the highlights of senior year. We always have an energetic conversation and we usually end up laughing hysterically about something. You have taken on a difficult role this season starting at short-stop, but you never seemed to shy away from it. I think that type of character reflects what this program is all about. Thanks for the interview right after Florida, I got to learn all about the home-school league and how you developed a love for sports. That was my favorite pack I made this year for the Cardinals’ Nest. Enjoy your next two years at Saint Mary’s, it has been great getting to know you.
    
Josh Ketchmark: “Cat-soup!” What a weird nickname haha Ketch it has been great meeting you. You bring such a strong work ethic to our program. You came to practice every day ready to work and you never let up. I admire your passion for sports and science. I wish you the best of luck in the future.
    
Shawn Morris: “Showmo baby!” You are the king of one-liners. I’m so glad you transferred in; you have brought a great humor to our squad. I’ve enjoyed talking golf with you over the last few years, you have a great passion for the game! I can’t wait to golf with you in the future. I can honestly say, Shawn that you would be in my all-time foursome. Never a dull moment with you. You are a humble kid, even though you changed once you won the lunch-box. Best of luck in the future bud, and nice stretch at first base!
    
Josh Hottinger: “The cot changed you Cotts.” I’m glad you transferred in this year. You have brought a lot of energy and banter to our team. We give you a lot of crap but it’s only because you love Wisco sports way too much! If you ever need help with a paper next year, you have my email. Living with you in Florida was fun, and I got to know you even more. Not to end this on a low note, but I’m still going to keep you blocked on Twitter haha. Best of luck next year bud, and go Badgers.
    
Jake Dawson: “Wait til he points!” Wow we have started every game like that since junior year, what a feat! Cakes awesome baby! Dude we have had so much fun this year and I am sad that our banter has come to an end. My first impression of you was when you went head first into the light-post by the gazebo freshman year, I felt bad for the light pole. Since then we have done adventure time, gone frolfing, made moves, and just bro’d out. Between you me and Steph and Johnson, our rallies have inspired many comebacks. One of the best times we had was Downtown Disney! Dude that was too much fun, and really the entire Florida trip we had a blast together. You are a down to earth guy and I will truly miss seeing you every day next year. I look forward to our future get-togethers, whether in Minnesota, Chicago, or elsewhere. Best of luck buddy and I see ya in the future!
    
Brian Powers: “Wanna play pool?” Is that even a question? Dude we absolutely killed it this year in billiards (just ask Willie and Buerkle). Brian, we have been on quite the journey. I never would have thought that my freshmen year locker-neighbor from high school would be my college roommate in my last three years of college. Especially this year—we basically lived in the room alone second semester—our friendship has grown. All the last night convos and laughing before bed, it has been a lot of fun living together. We have envisioned some outlandish, but realistic dreams of ours. We think a lot alike. I think this summer was the most we have ever hungout, all the time down on Madison playing pool or getting rained out at a Led Zeppelin cover band concert. I’m slightly depressed that I won’t see you and everyone this summer, but we have the rest of our lives to hangout. It’s funny how we ended up coming to Saint Mary’s. That overnight visit was awesome with Bo haha. I can’t believe we are finished with school bro, it has been a great 8 years with you dude. I will miss you this summer but when I return, we are running the table at Silente’s, then were going to the nino baby!
    
Cale Pieczynski: “Pie Guy, got guy?” We have enjoyed a lot of coffee together these last few years. I figured I’d lead with that, seeing as Schild has been drilling stereotypical leads into our heads for the last two years. Speaking of Schild, it was in his classes that we started becoming great friends. Waking up early to get breakfast with you and Peder was great; guessing accurately what Redders was going to wear to class that day was even better. We should have charted our success, it would have been well over your batting average—sorry way too far. But in all seriousness you are one of the best guys I have met at Saint Mary’s and I am so grateful for our friendship. You are one of the few Wisconsinites I love. Remember when you slept over at my house in the summer? We had a great time at Swenson’s house, Paul introduced you to his exotic mind haha. I am excited to see where you will be in the next five years for I am confident you will go far in the communications world. I have always enjoyed coming over to your room to hangout, we always have great convos. I can’t wait to hangout in the future, let’s plan to go to a Cubs, Brewers game every year. Best of luck in your life buddy and I can’t wait to see you again.
    
Ben Johnson: “Benny J!” I’m not sure if we said a word to each other until the last week of freshmen year, but since then we have created a great friendship. We have had some intense rounds of golf too, those were always enjoyable. You know how to have a good time, and being around you is always a joy. This year we probably spent the most time together, hanging out at your place either cooking, watching baseball, or having roast sessions. Working all the hockey games was fun and thanks for hooking me up with cup after cup of coffee while I commentated. You are a well-organized kid and I am confident you will go far in life. I can’t wait to go golfing in the future, we have a lot of rounds ahead of us.
    
Tyler Whitey Lursen: “White-tee baby, how’s the hand?!” Sorry for setting you up like that on camera, for the neck slap, but that was terribly funny. We had a lot of fun this year, one memory that stands out is playing Star Wars in you room during the cold beginning months of the semester. But my favorite memory together was Fourth of July at your house. You have the ultimate whiffle ball setup. I have always enjoyed coming over and hanging out at your place in the new this year. We have had some good times. I am still mad at you for Drafting Rizzo just ahead of me this year. Wanna make a trade? I wish you the best of luck in your career, once you’re done with school. We should make our Fantasy football and baseball drafts an annual reunion, make it happen Commish!
    
Ryan Fejt: “Legend Killa!” I am so glad you chose to transfer to Saint Mary’s. Since then, we have become best friends. Especially this summer, we grinded nearly every day at St. Joes. You are one of the most real people I know and I greatly respect that. I know I can always count on you for advice. I’m upset that we won’t be able to go to hella White Sox games again this summer, but we have the rest of our lives to do that! I am looking forward to a life-long friendship, even though you like the Cardinals. I won’t see you for a minute but when I’m back we will come visit you at School and have a great weekend. Best of luck brother.
    
Peder Sviggum: “Pete guy, you’re an animal!” “It’s our day!” Dude you are the man Peder! Our friendship started early freshmen year in Peggy Johnson’s E120 class. We sat at the same table together with that Trager guy haha. Then all of a sudden we became PR majors and our relationship really started to grow. After Schild’s class we would go running in the rac, remember that? We would run for 30-40 minutes like it was nothin’, I couldn’t have done that without you. You have the biggest heart on the team and I am lucky enough to have met you in my life. Probably the best times were sitting in Dean’s Case Studies class, making fun of Cale, or laughing about the Hulk! All the breakfast times with you and Cale before Schild’s morning classes were great too. We probably guess Redder’s outfit correctly twice a week. I can’t wait to see where life will take you. Wherever you end up, your employer will be lucky to have such a loyal guy like you. I hope we can see each other often in the future, and best of luck buddy. Seriously, you’re the man!
    
Zach Slowiak: “Go Cubs!” Slow, you always bring a positive energy to the baseball team. Keep working hard and good things will come!
    
AJ Redders: “Red Dawg!” Every time I see a Palermo’s Pizza I think of you calling me that multiple times a day for the last 4 years. We have had a great time together both at baseball and in class. You show up  every day with a smile on your face and your arms wide open for a hug. You are truly one of a kind and I am lucky to have been able to know you. Bus rides were the best playing chess on my laptop. Too this day I have won every match, but we did have one stalemate, and lately you have become an adequate player (sometimes I’m scared you’ll win). I commend you for your love of Wisconsin, politics, and movie quotes. You’re quite the guy Redders and I wish you the best of luck in the future!
    
Austin Jacobs: “Apple Jacks!” Your pitching performance against Carleton sure made up for the poor golf performance we had. I wish we could have hung out more Jacobs, because every time we do hang or golf, I always find myself cracking up at your jokes. Your Snaps of Bauer may be the funniest Snaps I’ve ever seen. Please continue to do them next year. I am truly impressed on your progression as a ball player since you came to Saint Mary’s. You have always had the stuff but this year you seemed to grasp the mental game and it has shown. Best of luck to you bud, and the Wild.
    
Alex Kleve: *Stare at Kleve for way too long* “Hi Kleve” You make me crack up! You are such a kind kid and you come to practice every day ready to work. Keep making yourself better and good things will come!
    
Jake Mencacci: “Montini Weinie!” I have liked you since day one Cacci, and it’s not just because you’re from Chicago. You may be the hardest working kid I’ve ever met. You carry yourself with a lot of pride. Keep staying confident in yourself, you will excel in anything you want. Eating breakfast with you nearly every morning this term was a lot of fun. I am still amazed at how much one person can eat before 9:30 am. I am sad that you no longer live in the land, but I still hope to see you in the near future. I am confident that you will do well in life! Keep working hard pal, and go Hawks!
    
Dirk Drohner: “Lil Dirk” You got a bright future ahead of you here at Saint Mary’s! I wish I could see it unfold. Keep on top of your work both in school and baseball and you will thrive. I’m glad I got to meet you kid. Best of luck, just make sure you keep OG in line.
    
Jacob Taschetta: “Go Hawks!” Keep bringing the same positive energy to the team next year as you did this year!
    
John Heim: “Lewiston!” Man I just can’t help but smile when I see you! You have a natural confidence and I know you will do well at school. I’m glad I got to meet you this year, just make sure you keep OG in line.
    
Jake Barry: “Brother Rice” We have given each other so much crap about Rice and Joes and it has been hilarious. Over the years I have enjoyed getting to know you. We have spent a lot of time talking about Chicago, probably because not everyone here at Saint Mary’s can relate (suckas). My favorite memory was at CHS Field this year right when we got in the dugouts we started talking about Lewiston and the big cities and we laughed so hard. I feel like most of our convos turned into some tangent and we just laughed and laughed. Keep working hard man and I hope to see you down in Chicago for a Beer (when you are of age).
    
RJ Brown: “Was good J?!” “Wayne is the goat.” I am glad you came to Saint Mary’s man, you are like a brother to me. We have spent so much time this year laughing. Sometimes it was at my expense (ER and NG) but mostly it was about something on Twitter. Don’t lose your sense of humor. I hope you keep working hard in you last few years at Saint Mary’s. I know we will be seeing each other in the future. Enjoy the rest of Saint Mary’s and I’ll see you when I get back from Georiga.
    
Dixon Irwin: “What’s Dixon’s first name? That is his first name!” This is one of my first memories of this years’ fall ball when we had to name the freshmen by first and last name. You are a great guy Dixie and I am excited to follow your Saint Mary’s Baseball career. I wish we had more years together at Saint Mary’s. I would give you a lot of crap about Redwing and your soft-chin, but that’s only because you’re the man! Keep working hard and you will go far. Best of luck buddy!
    
Jesse Barron: “Martieeeeen!” Talking Spanish this year has been so funny. Thanks for always doing loops. You are one of the most likeable guys on the team. You are part of an awesome freshmen class, keep being a gg.
    
Jacob Petraitis: “Hey Patris!” I started giving you a lot of crap in the fall for being a Rice kid and for going to Naz too, but its only cuz I love ya. You are a good kid Jake, just stay in school. Too bad we only had one year together. I can’t wait to come back and visit you when you’re a senior. Tav on me.
    
Ezekiel Chamblee: “Zekeer” Dude you’re funny. Seriously all of you freshmen are great. I have enjoyed seeing you at practice and you were great to crack a joke with. Keep your head on straight and all will be fine.
    
Jake Kramlinger: “Florida was fun” I didn’t really know you until we shared a condo in Florida. Since then we started to build a relationship. You will have continued success at baseball if you keep putting the work in.
    
Charlie Hilger: “Get out of the way Chuck!” I don’t think I ever said that to you but every time I would come to the locker you would like at me as if I had said that. I couldn’t ask for a better locker mate. I wish you the best of luck in your time at Saint Mary’s.
    
Nolan Russell: “Nussell” I thought that was a funny nickname. Thanks for coming to practice and working hard every day.
    
Andy Kramlinger: “Silent but deadly” I wish we could have gotten to know each other better. You are a funny kid and by the way you act I would have never known. I wish you the best of luck Saint Mary’s, and keep Jake in line.
    
Bailey Melz: “Melzer” You bring a great energy to the team. Keep working hard and your time will come youngin.
    
Eli Morison: “Hey PR guy” You are one of the funniest kids on the team. Don’t lose that spirit! I’m glad you chose PR for your major, you will excel in that major. Learn to love Schild, show him that you care and that you love baseball and you will be fine. Enjoy Saint Mary’s and take up every opportunity given to you, you won’t regret it. I’m glad I got to meet you this year, just make sure you keep OG in line.
    
The Managers Union
Joe Kleve: “I hope Nick doesn’t find out” Thank you for all your hard work this season. It isn’t easy coming to practice every day when you aren’t playing. We have had a lot of fun this year bud. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your time at Saint Mary’s.
    
Joey O’Gorman: “Krone, the farm’s gone!” This year would not have been as special if it weren’t for you Joe. Thank you so much for managing. Dude you’re the funniest kid on the team hands down. I have literally laughed out loud more with you than anyone all through college. We have developed a special friendship this year and the only bad part is that the year is now over. I hope I have shown you all the managerial ways. They are the sacred ways that I was taught from the legendary Scotty Malotak. You are the man Joe, and you now are the main manager of the SMUBoyz. Some final tips, don’t skip practice, don’t ask questions at the wrong time, and always outwork the opposing team’s manager. Well, Joe, I hope I get to see you soon in the future. I know I definitely have a friend for life #MGR