The Last Stand

Contributed by Senior Tim Ernst:

Four years ago, I was attending Georgia Perimeter College not playing baseball, when I got a call from a parent of a baseball player at Oglethorpe. You might know this man as “Pound for Pound” or just Mr. Sims, but Mr. Sims told me that Oglethorpe needed an outfielder and that I should contact Coach Popp. I acted on the incredible opportunity to play baseball again and poof, I am here.
Three years have past while I’ve played for the Petrels and the years were not the only things changing around the baseball team. I have had nineteen players in three years leave the Oglethorpe baseball team without finishing their careers here. I am the only remaining player of my recruiting class that I came in with. Scott Casey, being a sophomore transfer was the only one who finished his career at Oglethorpe from our recruiting class. I’ve also played under three head coaches at Oglethorpe even if one only coached for two weeks. Some would say that I have trudged through the worst times of Oglethorpe Baseball. It’s true that we as a team have not won as many games as anyone would hope for, but I am a Stormy Petrel and Oglethorpe will always be a special place for me. The fact that Oglethorpe gave me an opportunity to play baseball, when I thought that I was done playing competitively, still echoes in my mind.
With all the gushy stuff taken care of, my Petrel life has one last year left. I am excited about this year more so than the past two years as far as the team goes. The first year, I was just a naïve little freshman (swinging at any pitch thrown to me) so I had no expectations for the team. With twelve new players, which brings depth and the best fielding infield Oglethorpe has had in the past three years (maybe ever), everything looks ready for the Stormy Petrels of Anderson Field to take flight again. I am thrilled that I can play my last season with this group of guys and I don’t think I could ask for anyone else to go into baseball war with. Not only do we have a full roster we also have a full coaching staff with 4 coaches and one trainer “coach”. There is only nine days remaining before we open up the season with La Grange and I’m too excited to write or wait for it. That game will be the last first game for Bob and me. Let’s get the show on the road. Next stop conference tourney…..