Farmer Epitomizes the Fight, Character of Homegrown Talent

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It was a Sunday afternoon the first weekend in March. Nebraska and UCLA were in the third game of a rubber match at Hawks Field. Top of the ninth inning with the No. 5 Bruins leading, 4-1. All signs pointed to defending College World Series runner-up UCLA leaving Lincoln with the series win.

Then it happened. Kurt Farmer, the Huskers' sophomore first baseman, made a play that not only ended UCLA's at-bat, but set the table for a Nebraska rally in the bottom of the ninth that tied the game and became a 5-4, 11-inning Big Red win.

Farmer's hustle and desire are reflected in a youtube video that shows him flipping over the wall and tumbling into the first row of seats to make a spectacular catch of a Pat Valaika foul ball that retired UCLA in the ninth and gave Nebraska new hope.

"I think the key to our offense in the bottom of the ninth was the way Kurt went diving into the stands to make that catch," Nebraska Head Baseball Coach Mike Anderson said. "When Kurt laid himself out like that, I think everybody looked around and said: 'Hey, we're not done here.'"

The Huskers had been fighting and scratching all weekend long, losing the first game in the series, 1-0, in 11 innings before coming back to win the second game, 2-1, in 12 innings. The 4-1 deficit heading into the top of the ninth became an unexpected turning point. The Huskers needed someone to light the match and start a fire. On that particular Sunday, it was Kurt Farmer's defense that triggered Nebraska's confidence.

Things Happen When You Decide to Fight a Little Harder

"There wasn't a lot of hope going on until Kurt made that spectacular play. He showed what can happen when you decide to fight just a little harder," Anderson said. "That catch gave us the spark to win both the game and the series."

Anderson has become accustomed to homegrown talent contributing the character that influences culture and becoming the catalyst for comebacks.

"Nebraska kids are the core of our program - no ifs, ands or buts about it," he said. "The one thing you know you're going to get out of a Nebraska kid is a willingness to fight back. They're going to fight back hard and give you everything they have.

"Obviously," Anderson added, "the kids who come here from Nebraska bring talent and work habits, but their knowledge is just as important because they educate our out-of-state recruits about our culture."

Plus, "There's a certain chip on the shoulders of homegrown kids who come to play here," Anderson said. "Across the country, not many people think Nebraska can play baseball like they can in Florida, Texas or California. But we've had quite a few come in and do well and then move on to solid pro careers."

Gordon, Chamberlain, Duensing Role Model Huskers

One such player is Lincoln native and Kansas City Royal Alex Gordon, who had more hits than anyone else in Major League Baseball this season heading into Sunday's games.

Another is Lincoln native and New York Yankee Joba Chamberlain, who threw a scoreless inning of relief and struck out two in the Yankeees' 5-2 win Saturday against Texas.

Then, of course, there's Omaha native and Minnesota Twin Brian Duensing, who won his first game of the season Sunday, pitching seven innings of a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay.

"I believe this, and I've believed it for a long time," Anderson said. "There's a special bond between Nebraska baseball and the College World Series. We have a style and a work ethic that we want to create, and 99 percent of the time, it's our Nebraska kids who set the tone for it."

It's in their hearts, their minds and their memories.

Farmer still remembers being 10 years old and riding from Columbus to Lincoln with his dad to watch the last baseball game the Huskers ever played at Buck Beltzer Field. Growing up, he had visions of becoming a Husker dancing in his head. He knew that if he ever got the chance to wear the uniform and don a cap with an "N" on it, he would give it everything he has.

And Farmer's flipping, tumbling, hustling catch when hope seemed slim became a classic proof point that punctuates the style Anderson is looking for and still talks about.

Nebraska's head coach also points out that the Huskers had 19 home state players on their 2005 team that won a school record 57 games and beat Arizona State in the College World Series.

Nebraska Natives Overcome Adversity and Keep Fighting

Here's a quick rundown of Anderson describing how some current Nebraska natives are having an impact on this season:

Casey Hauptman: "Casey's opportunity goes right to work habits and character. We had guys in front of him get drafted, so the timing we had in mind changed. We were thin, and Casey got thrust into a position that he may not have been ready for, but he was enthusiastic about it. He had a little bit of failure in the beginning, but he stuck with it, and he's a perfect example of someone who's performing well because of the situation he's been in, including some of the challenges and adversities he's had. A lot of guys get the chance to slowly move through the process. Casey got pushed into it. He never complained, always worked hard and is getting the benefits right now of what he went through as a freshman and sophomore."

Tyler Niederklein: "He's very, very mentally tough. You don't want failure, but when you get challenged, every one of these kids learns. Tyler has had some situations where he's been in the starting rotation and then out of the starting rotation. Right now, he's fighting and doing a lot of great things and doing it with his mind and his body. He's being very smart about it. There's a bond. Those guys have that bond, and they use it to transform others. They make sure the out-of-state kids feel that same bond they have. It's pretty strong - from the Niederkleins to the Kalkowskis to the (Dylan) Vogts ... it's pretty nice to see how that all works together."

Kash Kalkowski: "Here's another guy who has gone through adversity. He came in as one of our top pitchers and unfortunately because of an arm injury, he got set back. Then, all of a sudden, because he's a good athlete, we gave this hitting thing a chance, and all he's done is made the most of it. He's worked his tail off for a full year to become a hitter, and he's had a lot of success. He just didn't want to give up. He's a young man who probably could have sat down and said: 'I think I'm done', but he didn't, and he's helping us win games at the University of Nebraska."

Josh Scheffert: "We've given him a little break here, but he's in our starting rotation. He's just a gritty kid. Josh's work habits from the very beginning have been solid. I've had a chance to watch Josh since he was a freshman in high school, and there was no doubt that we wanted him in our program. We liked his talent, his work habits, his growth and his desire. His desire may be the strongest on our team. He sets the tone for a lot of what we do."

Matt Freeman: "I will tell you this. I saw Matt and Kash (Kalkowski) pitch in the state championship game against each other their senior of high school. When Matt beat Kash, 1-0, we had them already wrapped up in recruiting. Both had signed their national letters of intent and had taken different paths to their scholarships. Matt struggled in the strike zone early in his career at Nebraska and then, sure enough, he stuck with it and stuck with it and has been a Friday night starter for us. He got command of the strike zone, and he's doing things similar to his senior year at Elkhorn High School. For Matt and others, when they go through challenges and adversity, they stick with us, but we stick with them, too."

That thought comes through loud and clear, and you can sense the loyalty from these home-grown Huskers:

Kurt Farmer, Infielder, Columbus

Best thing about growing up in Nebraska: The family lifestyle. When I was growing up, our neighbors were our friends, and I had about 10 buddies on my block or close to my block to play sports with.

Reason I decided to become a Husker: I have always followed Husker sports, and was always a fan. When I had the opportunity to become part of the tradition I took the offer right away.

Best thing I like about this team: The character of the team and how close we are as a team.

Favorite role model: My grandma. She has always taught me to look at the brighter side of life.

Personal philosophy: When you're older and look back at your life, be able to tell yourself that you do not regret anything that you have done or haven't done in your life. 

Favorite quote: "Put your trust in the Lord to put trust in yourself."

Personal take on playing in the Big 12 one last time: I'm going to miss those days in Texas when it's 75 and back home it's snowing.

One interesting thing about me that few people know: I have quite a bit of freckles.

Favorite Husker memory growing up: Watching the last game at Buck Beltzer Stadium with my dad.

Casey Hauptman, Pitcher, Millard South

Best thing about growing up in Nebraska: Having the opportunity to go to all of the Nebraska football and baseball games.

Reason I decided to become a Husker: I have always been a Husker fan growing up. The facilities and staff are some of the best in the country. 

Career highlight: Hosting an NCAA regional my freshman year and having the opportunity to pitch in it. 

Best thing I like about this team: This team never gives up no matter what the score is and shows the ability to fight back if we get down. This team also has a very strong work ethic and team chemistry.

Favorite role model: My parents have been great role models because they've always been there through thick-and-thin over the years. 

Personal philosophy: Live every day and play every game like it's your last and have fun doing it. 

Personal take on playing in the Big 12 one last time: It's been a fun four years with lots of great competition, and it would be great to end it with a championship ring. 

One interesting thing about me that few people know: A lot of people think I'm a quiet and serious person, but I am usually not and joking around having a good time.

Favorite Husker memory growing up: Going to the Fiesta Bowl back when we beat Florida for the National Championship. Seeing all of those loyal Husker fans who made the trip was great. 

Tyler Niederklein, Pitcher, Millard West

Best thing about growing up in Nebraska: 1)All my family lives in Nebraska; 2) chance to meet great people and friends; and 3) going to the College World Series every year.

Reason I decided to become a Husker: I grew up watching the College World Series in Omaha and I dreamed - and still do - about pitching in it one day. Nebraska has a historical athletic program and I have been a Husker fan all of my life.

Career highlight: Winning my first Big 12 start as a freshman.

Best thing I like about this team: We are all good friends and mesh very well together.

Personal philosophy: Approach everything you do with full commitment so you can live with no regrets.

Favorite quote: Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right.

Personal take on playing in the Big 12 one last time: We want to go out on top and make everyone remember how great the University of Nebraska is.

One interesting thing about me that few people know: I was born in Plano, Texas

Favorite Husker memory growing up: The sea of red in Rosenblatt Stadium during the College World Series.

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