news-record.com

OMAHA, Neb. -- Friday contained three of the greatest moments in my entire life. In my 20 years here, I have experienced quite a bit, but I have to say, it was one day that I will never forget.

To start, we had our traditional picture in front of the famed College World Series statue overlooking Rosenblatt Stadium.

Amidst all of the fans and the hundreds of people who were taking the picture along with the photographer, we made our way out to the dugout and field. I had to catch my breath running out into that lush green grass. I was actually here, in Rosenblatt, dressed out and catching bullpen sessions. It was surreal; every college baseball player in any division has held this moment as his goal. I was living it. Definitely a pinch-yourself-no-way-this-is-happening moment.

After practice, we made our way up to the famed autograph session. I was as happy as can be. You would think not many people want a bullpen catcher's signature, but apparently things are different in Omaha. The usual session lasts for 30 minutes. Coach Fox let the signing go on for an extra hour. I could have signed my name all day long.

If you take every time in my entire life that I have written my name, from every childhood cursive writing practice to every practice autograph while doodling, I topped that number in the continuous hour and a half of signatures. Each one was done with a smile on my end.

Lastly, in the opening ceremonies, each team is called out and carries a flag from centerfield to seats in the infield. I was chosen to represent our team and carry the flag -- with a cheek-to-cheek grin that could not be wiped off. The crowd seemed to love us with a huge ovation, and it was genuinely and forever unforgettable.

Three life-changing events in one day? If you have not picked up on it yet, folks, I am having the time of my life.