Steve Bids Farewell

As I look back on my college experience, I can not believe that it’s almost over. It seems like just yesterday my parents were moving me into a dorm room at the University of North Dakota for my first year of college. I transferred here my sophomore year and since then I have had an unbelievable ride. The good times and great people that I have met here are countless and the memories I have made over the years will last forever. First, I would like to thank my family. Mom and Dad, you have given me everything that I have ever wanted, I hope that some day I will be able to give my kids the same opportunities that you have given me throughout my life. Mom, I don’t know where to start. All the love and support that you have given me over the years is endless. You have taught me to always look at things in a positive light, no matter how bad they might be. You have taught me that if you always give your best effort you will be successful and that’s how I try to approach each day of my life. Thank you for everything…..your the best and I love you. Dad, it seems like yesterday you, Kev, and I were busy winning the little league championship … where has all the time gone? You have been supportive of me my entire life in whatever decision I made. You have taught me so much about life and importance of hard work and dedication. As far as baseball goes you were my first coach and the one who taught me to love this game. You showed what it took to play the game right. Thank you for everything and I can’t wait till the next time we sit down and talk baseball. I love you. Kev, what can I say? Do you remember the countless hours we spent playing ball in the street? Our relationship has grown immensely since you decided to join me down here in Cardinal Country. I consider you my best friend and it has been a true joy to watch you play ball the last two years; I am so proud to be your brother. If there is one piece of advice that I could give you, it would be to cherish these last two years of school because before you know it is over. I love you. To the coaches: Coach Whaley — thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Cardinal baseball family. You allowed me to be a part of a program that I heard so much about from my dad. It has been a true honor learning how to coach the game of baseball from you. You have taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined, about baseball as well as life. Coach Huegel – it has been a lot of fun, both on the baseball field and in the classroom. You have been a very influential in my development as a person here at Saint Mary’s and I thank you for that. Coach Trewick, I have only had the privilege to experience your coaching for one year but you are one of the most fun coaches I have ever been around. You are right, if you can’t have fun with the game of baseball what else can you do. Coach Jacobsen – what can I say? Your passion for the game is so strong there is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed both as a coach and as a teacher. I would like to thank some of the past players that have left an impression: Cic, Rinker, Juice, Joser, J Popek, and Ryno. You are all great guys and I you all have taught me a thing or two. To my fellow seniors: Reiter – you are one of the nicest guys I have ever met, you lead be example and I think the younger guys have realized from watching you what takes to play college baseball. Danny – I am going to miss your sense humor, your impressions are priceless. Timmy – if I ever do get a coaching position you know I am going to need a pitching coach. Coz – we have had some pretty good times over the past few years, from our small gatherings when we lived in the old to this year at 56 Saratoga, we made some memories that will last a lifetime. From day one you all included me as if I were one of the players, I thank you for that, you have no idea how much it meant to me. To the younger players: Matt P – you are one of the toughest competitors I have ever been around. Brady – you are one of the most talented kids I have ever seen play the game of baseball. Winecke – your work ethic and love for the game is second to none. David K – you are going to have a big year next year I can feel it. Mike – you are going to be a pretty good pitcher before your time here is finished. Shatoshi – keep working hard and good things will happen. To all the others, remember it is a process this team is young and you are only going to get better. Give it a year or two you guys will be battling for MIAC championships year in and year out. Lastly, I would like to thank a couple of friends. T-Mac and Tool it has been a blast these past few years. We have had so much fun together … I want to thank Tool for not allowing me to take life so seriously all the time; I also want to thank T-Mac for sharing with me some of the lines he uses on the opposing team. You both were at every one of our home games; your support is greatly appreciated. I wish both of you the best of luck next year, Tool with golf and your final year of college and T-Mac with your new job. It has been a great three years here at Saint Mary’s and I am truly proud to say that I was a part of the Cardinal baseball program.