Short Hops
Jul 5, 2005 | Baseball
July 3, 2005
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Hello Green Wave fans. I've put off writing this last entry for a couple of days, knowing that it would be my last words as a member of the Tulane baseball team. This season was such a success and it's a shame that, at least for the past week, the great season has been overshadowed by that heartbreaking season-ending loss.
I've tried to make reason out of that last game until I realized that nothing can logically explain such an unexpected and unfortunate chain of events that took place during those last three innings in Omaha. If you play the game long enough, those things happen. It's just a shame that it had to happen at that time and to such a special group of guys. The fact of the matter is that this season and being part of this team was the most incredible and memorable time of my life.
The Omaha experience was such a blast. The city really embraced our team and it was great to see so many fans from New Orleans make the trip to Nebraska. Everything from cookouts and autograph sessions to the actual games was unforgettable, and it was a privilege just to be one of the eight teams that were a part of it all. Things didn't end up like we had hoped, which was tough to take because, even after being eliminated, we still felt like we had the best and most deserving team at the College World Series. However, it was a great experience and one that will help the 2006 Green Wave team get back to Omaha and win it.
Particularly, I am extremely proud of Tulane Athletics. I can't even count how many people have told me that they were living and dying with every pitch from back here in New Orleans, and most of them weren't even Tulane fans. The entire city, and state for that matter, really embraced and supported our team. Everyone could see what a special group of players we had and how well we played together.
It was because of this kind of support that, from a player's perspective, coming home without a national championship is such a tough thing to do. It's not like the team felt that by not coming home with the championship, we let anyone down. But when we know how many people realized what we already knew about ourselves - that out team was made up of a special group of guys - it led to a very upsetting and emotional end to a season. Tulane WILL be back, though.
Being a part of the Tulane family has been such a special part of my life. My experiences both at Turchin Stadium and in the classrooms of our uptown campus have been incredible. I can't even begin to thank all of the fans that have supported me and my family these last four years, even in times of adversity. Tulane fans are truly the best in America. I always felt this because of the support the team has always received from you guys. However, it was even further confirmed throughout the College World Series and upon our return home after defeat.
Our fans were upset, as all are when their team doesn`t win, but the emotional sadness wasn't simply because a Tulane team was beaten by a rival. It was because OUR Tulane baseball team went down. You all always saw the closeness and ability of our team and I know you felt just as bad as we did when we lost because you knew that no one deserved it more than us. This type of support is unmatched in collegiate athletics.
I want to thank so many people for my career here. Everyone from the Grounds Krewe and coaches to our support staff and fans have all played a truly special part in my time here. I can't single anyone out because there are so many of you that I truly appreciate and I hope each of you, individually, know this. I want to thank my parents for sacrificing so much to expose me to the opportunities that lead me to Tulane. Most of all, though, I want to thank my teammates for this season. I've never played on a team with so many people who made everyone around them better.
I'm really going to miss being a part of the Tulane baseball program. Putting on that jersey with "Tulane" across the chest was always a dream of mine when I was young and knowing that I was taking it off for the last time in my hotel room in Omaha was one of the saddest moments of my life. I love everything that Tulane represents and will never forget the many great friends I have made since I have been here.
Representing Tulane University simply brings out the best in an athlete and it is something that I will ALWAYS play with in my heart. Thank you guys again for the four best years of my life.
Roll Wave!
Tommy
