Oklahoma State University Athletics
Brian Kraft's Baseball Diary
May 31, 2003 | General
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First and definitely most important are my parents and little brother, who is not little anymore (going to be a freshman in college next fall). Ever since I started playing they have been there to provide travel, equipment, support, etc. Anything that someone could give to someone else I have had. I would like to thank my family for always being there for my during hitting streaks and slumps. Even though we see each other a few times a year I am always thinking of them and trying to make them proud.
Going into high school I based my decision on where to attend based on baseball and I was not let down as I was fortunate to work with Kevin Maris. He was always glad to come early and stay late to work on anything with me. Oak Hall is very fortunate to have such a great baseball man working at a high school. Also while in high school I was able to meet Kraig Peebles who has been great to me in dealing with a few rough years. He has always offered great advice, good B.P, and made me feel like an all star through the years. I look forward to helping kids with baseball the way these men helped me.
Baseball is a hard game to play by yourself and without the teammates that I have been with over the years a tee would have gotten boring after a while. While in high school two of my best friends, Luke McSherry and Joe Mercadante, were always there to go hit and talk about baseball everyday. After high school I was put around great players as well that I hope to remain close to over the years. Joe Weaver, Jason Jaramillo, Fields, and Mario are people that helped me get through the ups and downs of college baseball. Without these guys supporting me it would have been tough.
Of all the people that I have played with over the years one person sticks out like a sore thumb for many reasons, but most of all he is my best friend. Everyone around here knows him as the first baseman that could not miss a ball but he has been very important to me. The first time we met I felt like I had known him for years and over the past three, he has been the first person I call when I get to a phone. It definitely was not the same without him this year, but I wish him the best of luck in baseball and hope that we get together on a coaching job someday.
Lastly if anyone has been around me over the past three years you know that I have not gone many places without my side kick Mandy Ferguson. Talk about someone who has seen the good and bad sides of someone. She put up with me through two summer ball seasons and three at OSU. She has always been one of the most supportive people in my life since I have known her and has become pretty good at feeding soft toss, even though she still thinks I will hit her with a ball. I also like to think that she started the “wife’s section” at Allie P. I do not know anyone else that could cheer me up from an “0-fer” day.
There were so many people that I have met that have helped me and to avoid driving Thomas Samuel crazy with editing the diary, I just want to mention other people that I feel I need to thank: Denise and David Pitts, Zach Cates, Robbie Wine, Ryan Folmar, Bobby Hill, Steve and Lynne Mercadante, Lance Millis, the city of Covington (yes everyone), Jared Clements, Jim Blair, Justin Timmerman, Mike Bocock, Mac Hall, Matt Davis and Justin Williams and rest of the OSU equipment staff, Thomas Samuel and all the umpires that had to deal with me. Thank You for everything.
It seems like the time has flown by, my time at OSU started with a kid who was so disappointed he had to be convinced by his father to keep playing. After being convinced, my time at OSU has been unbelievable and I would not change it for anything. I have learned so much in three years that I feel ready to take on the next task, which is dealing with people like me that love the game. I would like to thank everyone who took a peak at the diary this year; I hope ya’ll have enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Good luck to everyone and I do not know where but I will SEE YA AT THE PARK!
Krafty
Editor’s Note: That was the most well written diary entry Brian has done all year. Only had to make a couple of corrections. Krafty, good luck in all of your future endeavors.
The Baseball Diary will be back next year with a player to be announced….
