It all came crashing to the end with one press release on March 19th that the 2020 baseball season was over before it truly began. After ten games, and with players scattered across the country, the season had come to an end. We all expected the decision to come down, and might have even said that we were prepared for it, but the finality of it was stunning.

The hardest part is the fact that we were all scattered across the country. With players expecting to come back together to continue to compete on the diamond, no one expected this to be the end. This team was a special one, and to see it end this way is a disappointing conclusion to a season that had such high expectations.

With a core group of 10 juniors who had really gelled into a cohesive unit, the Eagles had high expectations for what this season could bring. Many people viewed this as the team's best chance to win its first UMAC title, especially with a group of talented freshmen and sophomores making an impact. This group not only had the talent on the diamond but also off of it. Whether it was in the middle of a global pandemic or day-to-day life, the leadership and character of this group of men is truly admirable.

Carlton Lindow (Cannon Falls, Minn./Cannon Falls), the team's captain, talked about how the team's attitude during the drought shines through to your true character. He wrote that "I know each of us will continue to be mindful of our character during difficult times, and that will help us tremendously during the good times." Even though it is incredibly disappointing to have a season canceled, that's the kind of attitude that drives a person to have success in all situations, not only just on a baseball field. That's a testament to the character of this team, which will continue to make this program successful for the long term.

Unfortunately not everyone will be around for the future, though, as three men from this team will not be back next season: Holt Goodwin (Orinda, Calif./Miramonte), Caleb Piersma (Pella, Iowa/Pella), and Carter Michaelson (South St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul). 

Holt Goodwin (Orinda, Calif./Miramonte)

Goodwin transferred from Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, Minnesota before the 2019 season and made an immediate impact on the program. He started 22 games last year at first and third base. His highlight was his three-hit day against Augsburg, but he truly exploded this year. In his eight games this year, he hit .304 with a double, three runs scored, and four RBIs. The senior from Orinda, California, is known for his love of the game of baseball, which he pairs with his sense of humor. Lindow followed that up by saying that "he is a joy to be around and a powerful influence. His teammates appreciate his passion and ability to step into various roles." Goodwin isn't sure if he'll be playing next year or not, as he might be back for his third year at Northwestern. Holt is studying Criminal Justice and is training to become a police officer.

Caleb Piersma (Pella, Iowa/Pella)

Piersma has been an integral part of the team for the past three years. He is graduating a year early with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and will be pursuing a masters degree in law. The junior from Pella, Iowa, had the best day of his career against Bethany Lutheran his freshmen year. He went seven for nine during the doubleheader and scored four runs propelling the Eagles to a split with the eventual conference champion Vikings. Piersma was highly regarded for his flexibility by playing second base for the first time ever his freshmen year and by switching around spots in the batting order from the top to the bottom of the order frequently. He led the team in average last season in conference play as he hit .414 and scored 21 runs over the 16 games. Lindow stated that Piersma "is a great example of what it means to be a Christian student-athlete. He set the standard for our team and challenged each of us to reach new heights in our faith, academics, and baseball. His teammates appreciate his wisdom and strong character." Piersma studied in Washington D.C. in the fall of this year and then came back and was immediately an integral member of the team as he recorded 63 hits over his three seasons.

Carter Michaelson (South St. Paul, Minn./South St. Paul)

Michaelson played three seasons for Northwestern as well as playing two seasons of football. In the 2018 season, he did not play the 2019 season due to a shoulder injury, he led the team in average. He hit .347 and slugged .465 and also pitched well as he appeared in six games during conference play with a 1.38 ERA. The senior marketing major was a key member of the outfield and pitching staff over the past three years and appeared in seven games for the Eagles this shortened season. The native of South St. Paul, Minnesota is known for his true passion for the game as well as his desire to be with teammates and make them as successful as possible. Lindow stated that "Carter's work ethic and dedication is what truly sets him apart. He strives to get the most out of his abilities in all areas of life. His teammates appreciate his competitive nature and ability to form meaningful relationships."

As for me, after four years of working not only baseball games but sporting events in general, this will probably be the last article that you read from me. It's been an honor and a privilege to guide you through every Northwestern game the past four years and not only describe what happened but hopefully make it come alive. I could never have imagined four short years ago that I would be paid to watch sports and I've loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for following, and I've loved taking you through every game. It's a major bummer not to be able to finish up this last season, but I've loved getting to be with this team and have developed life-long friendships that extend way beyond the baseball field. I'll always remember certain wins, walking off against Superior in the conference tournament comes to mind, but the friendships are what truly has made this time so special and life-changing. To get to be one small part of an elite program like Northwestern, not only with the baseball team but athletics in general, has shaped so much of who I am today. Thank you all for reading these past four years, and make sure to stay inside and stay safe!