Jason Bids Farewell

There is something pure and beautiful about the game of baseball that has enthralled me ever since my earliest memories. Baseball has always been more than a game to me. It has meant life and death and been a constant that I can’t fathom relinquishing. Baseball has been an escape from reality every time I step on a field. It has given me hopes and dreams. It was because of those hopes and dreams that my never ending will to play the game prevented me from ever quitting. I imagine it will be that same drive that will keep me playing the game until my body completely gives out and I can’t lift my arm over my head. I think I am now really starting to realize that my playing days are numbered and playing my last college baseball game seems to be the first step in that. So when someone finally does drag me off the field kicking and screaming, I hope I can say that I gave it everything that I have. I hope I can say that I played the game right and given it the true beauty the game deserves. I never wanted this day to come when I’ll no longer get to head out onto the field as a Cardinal, but when I’m an old man who can barely walk because of worn out legs and bad knees I’ll be able to talk about the great experience of being a baseball player. I’ll be able to talk about the great memories of teammates. I’ll talk about the long bus rides through such vistas as the Tennessee countryside. I’ll be able to say I played with people who played ball with the Hall of Fame catcher from Minnesota; Joe Mauer (because he is from Cretin and inevitably will be enshrined there with the rest of Cretin). I’ll miss all the hard work I’ve put in the last four years and I’ll even miss walking into the RAC every single day. The truth is, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to play baseball for as long as I have, even if I had to hang up my cleats tomorrow. Though, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity if it weren’t for many people along the way making sacrifices just to help me keep chasing dreams. Ma: There are no amount of thank you’s I could say to truly repay you for what you’ve given me. You drove me everywhere, watched everything, and supported me through every up and down. You recognized that baseball came first ever since, at least how you tell the story, I watched the 1987 World Series with you. You always found a way to give me what I needed. I wish some things could’ve been better and easier for you, but I know you are proud of me. Patrick: I’ve watched you grow up alongside of me all these years. Even though ball wasn’t your thing and we always didn’t get along, you always seemed to have a glow of interest in your eyes when I talked about baseball. You’re a great brother and I wish you nothing but prosperity in whatever makes you happiest. Jeff: I’m writing this just in case you happen to read it. Your constant help made me the ball player I am today. You threw me batting practice and caught my pitches. You taught me how to swing and how to love the game. You always told me that high school ball wasn’t the end for me and I think I’d bring a smile to your face and get a “hubba-hubba” for what I’ve accomplished. I hope you are happy in Cali. Erik: I never forgot about the nine-inning game in the front yard. Dad: I wouldn’t be in school if it wasn’t for your financial support, but I’ll never forgive you for what you said to me soph. year. Luckily I’m too stubborn to listen anyway. I want to thank my past teammates (and some eventual coaches) that showed me the way: Rinker, Jose, Majerus, Seth, Joe Pa, Kittelson, Juice, JRod, everyone else, Snakes (All Quiet on the Mollock), Coz, Gregory, and especially Reits (You taught me so much about hard work and how we puss-ballers can still get it done. You were and continue to be a helpful ear and great friend. I can’t wait for your wedding … you fool … and I wish you and Mary the best). To my current teammates: I couldn’t have asked for a better team to play with. This has been my most enjoyable year yet. This team keeps fighting and fighting and then fighting some more and I can’t wait to check the scores in the next year like a proud father. Juniors: We’ve been through a lot. Kev (you’re a machine stuck on 110% and I never want to hear about you letting up. You’ve been a great captain and I’ve enjoyed joking around with you). Missiles, aka, Johnny Hero (Sometimes I swear you’re so quirky that you should be throwing with the wrong hand). Toshi (Thanks for the talks and the arm stretches. Make sure you catch the ball with your glove and not your head. Either that or “just hit ball”). Geske. Brady (What up 2, 1. Sorry I stole some of your stats in the paper; you know all I do is hit bombs, granny style. Kriegs (Continue to get naked all the time. You’re the funniest looking bulldog I’ve see yet and might be the hairiest too. Your humor has brought me a smile every day). Lynch (Never shut-up. We’ve had some good times and you’ve taken too much of my money in poker. I can’t wait for another Township season). Sophomores: Schmidty (thanks for catching me, keep fining Brandon), B-Haugh (Thanks for pointing at me every time I put a runner on, keep fining Schmidty), Jobbie, with a soft J (you have the inevitable task of looking after Schmidty and Brandon), Pass (you will be the first documented case of a head spontaneously falling off, I swear), Michels (you’re always smiling), Linder (keep working, I always tried to give you the best advice I had), Clay (thanks for the wig and your stories), Cruise (keep up the BP webgems). Pete (head up). Igoogily (relax and fire, good things will happen). Jeffery Paul (How’s your blood sugar? Thanks for the good times even if you’re from Montana … “he did what on the couch”). Freshmen: I couldn’t have asked for a better group for my senior year and I wish I could stay and become a freshman again and grow up with you. Professor (I got ship. They’re not saying boo they’re saying booooojold and the famous bijold. You made me laugh all the time). Smokin’ wagon (fire it up) Edwin, Alex, and big Pape. David Bakes (I’ve enjoyed our conversations), Ferschy (the Spades are going down), Kyle Ryan (keep being scrappy), Krause (keep busting balls, especially with Swenny, he needs it), to my future Township prospects Swenny, big deng, farah, I can’t wait. To my fellow seniors, we’ve been on a spectacular ride. I have some great memories with you guys … Swenks: You have been a rock for this team. I have always respected you from day one because of your passion, your work, and your dedication. You’ve proven that even a Cretin education and a little brown nosing can get you some where…you’ll make a spectacular coach. Kuhn: I’ve always loved our Chicago/Minnesota rivalry. To think it started all the way back in Vlazny. I wish the best of luck to you. Pops: You have no idea how much I’ve enjoyed being a pitcher with you. I will always remember the great conversations we had on bus rides. I admire your drive and how you always want the ball. I’ve appreciated your humor and your lending ear. Pitchers hit bombs. Ed 40 and the iron crosses of Fort Myers. Beak ’em. Grant: Oh Grant. What can I say? It’s been a great. Teammate, best friend, roommate, heterosexual life mate; thanks for the great times and many memories you’ve given me. College wouldn’t have been the same without you. Your passion for baseball is something that I’m glad I could share with you. Sorry for making this a little sappy, but I’m really going to miss not having you around all the time. Good luck in Roch. To my friends: All of you have been great. The best friends anyone could ask for, you really made college what it was. Hieu: I’ve lived with you for three years now; you’ve been a great roommate and a better friend. Jake: you challenged me to think a little further. Nadeau: been great living with you, enjoy Boise State. Missy: Take care of Nadeau. Mickey: Take care of Grant. You’ve been a great friend. Thanks for all the Twins games and for dealing with my crabbiness around the house. Frank: Thanks for always wanting to play stuff. Jess: Thanks for our many wonderful conversations, they meant a lot. Good luck in med school and save a dance for me. Fleish: you were a great roommate and never lose that little child in you. I always had a good time playing video games and watching Family Guy. Sheboygan: Thanks for your laugh, goose, goose, goose. Kruger: You won’t read this, but thanks for all the pick up games we played as a kid, the endless baseball analysis, and the many Twins games. Thanks to your whole family for giving me my second home and my other mom. Thanks to Ann and Aburey, Sean Mo, Beck, Berra, Jenn, Amy, Tim, Fitz, Stasica (Exist in Theory forever), Steve, Kate, Bilski, Megan, and anyone else I hade the pleasure of being around over these four years. Coach: Thanks for keeping me around and giving a college baseball opportunity to a guy who played three innings his senior year of high school. You’ve helped me develop as a player and person and I will always be grateful. Benji: You always demanded that I go ahead and be perfect, head nod, head nod, head nod. Trainer Kristen: Thanks for all the ice, the wraps, and cookies you made us. Donny: Thanks for all your hard work, helping me with my own stories, broomball, and producing a great kid to live with. To use a quote that I’ve used before from one of my favorite songs: “And I’m leaning on this broken fence between past and present tense and I’m losing all those stupid games that I swore I’d never play but it almost feels okay.” Thank you all, SANDSTORM!!!