Coach Stevens,

I remember days like today when I was a student/athlete at Wabash…Nearing 50 degrees, sunshine, and an opportunity for the baseball team to practice outside for the first time since the season began almost a month earlier.  With the recent snow fall (over a foot) I know the team won’t be headed outside just yet, but I know the excitement you and the players are feeling right now with the sunshine and warmer temps

As a Little Giant player nearly 14 years ago, the anticipation of the spring trip and start of the season really made the early morning workouts in the dead of winter much easier to bear.  The first game of the year was approaching and you were just about to see what all of the off season training had done for you and the team.  I can’t pretend to know what you, as a coach, are thinking at this time (probably more about the administrative aspects of the trip than anything), but I do know this.  As a player, you cannot think of anything but that first game, first pitch, or first at bat of the year.  I think for me it was competition that I couldn’t wait for, a chance to out do another player or team, but it was also playing the game with an emphasis on playing.  You were just eager to play the game again, the game you love.  Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you I am as competitive as they come, I don’t like to lose.  However, playing the game with a passion and veracity is what it is all about.

I am not one for writing much, so this is all I will say.  I just wanted to let you know, it is in the air, the smell of baseball that is.  As you wrap up the final week or so heading into the start of your season, I wish you and the Little Giants the best of luck in Arizona (I wish I could be there) and throughout the season this spring. 

Play the game…

Mike Warren ‘93 (Wabash baseball #2; 1990-1993; IF, OF, P)