Baseball

Husker For Life

N Our Voice By Shay Schanaman

Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications

I may not know when I'll get to talk about the "good old days," but I sure know that I'm living them right now.

I'm a born and bred Nebraskan, playing baseball for the Huskers.

It doesn't get much better than that.

Entering year five, I'm ready to make this last one count. 

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What being a Husker means to me

 

Growing up, all I wanted to do was be a Husker. 

I have fond memories of going to countless football games and listening to baseball on the radio. It's part of my family memories and part of Nebraskan culture. 

So, when I had the opportunity to play baseball here, it was a no-brainer. 

I don't know what my future has in store for me, but representing the Big Red is definitely one of my proudest accomplishments. 

Every time I wear my Husker gear, it fills me with tremendous pride and joy.

Not everyone gets to play for their "home team", you know? 

So, I'm fully aware of how special this is. 

It's a rare position to be in, and I soak it in each day. 

The Monkey's Paw

 

While signing with the Huskers was a dream come true, my actual collegiate career has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

Pushing Arkansas to the limit in the 2021 Fayetteville Regional Final, for example, is one of my favorite moments.

We were the underdogs in that series, and we gave them our best shot going seven games. We didn't quite pull it off, but proud as ever for fighting the way we did.

It was an incredible experience to play the game at that high a level. 

Those are the games you dream about. 

But on the flip side, my 2022 season was everything but what I had hoped for.

I transitioned from reliever to starter but just didn't have a good year. 

In fact, it's one of the main reasons I'm back for year five.

I just feel like there is unfinished business, you know?

So, I'm back to the reliever role, and our whole squad is focused on returning to that 2021 form! 

All in all, the years have had more cheers than tears, but I've embraced it all. 

Even the bad times will soon become fond memories of how we turned things around. 

Heading into year five, I've grown so much since when I first stepped on campus, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make my last year my best year. 

resize (59)Nebraska pitcher Shay Schanaman #8 Senior Day Recognition Baseball vs Michigan State-Game 3

Whatever it takes 

 

As a captain, I'm more of a lead-by-example guy, but if I need to give a stern talk to someone or be a shoulder to lean on, I'm going to do it, too.

I've pitched as a reliever, became a starter, and now I'm back to relief pitching. 

To be honest, I don't care if I pitch 100 innings or two innings; I just want to win. 

The goal is to get to the College World Series.

At all costs.

I will lead this group of men in all facets of being a student-athlete here.

That means being a high performer on game day, in the weight room, and the classroom. 

I take tremendous pride in being a Husker and want all my teammates to do the same. 

If we put our best foot forward and represent the state well, people connect with that, and that positive energy will snowball into bigger and better things for us. 

This is the last chance I have to make my mark on this program, and I will not waste it. 

A special thanks

 

With an extra year of eligibility, I got the wonderful gift of playing one more time as a Husker. 

The one person I want to thank for being by my side is my wife. 

She's been so incredibly supportive and understanding of me coming back and chasing after my dreams. 

It's hard when you have big dreams and goals. 

They require dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. 

Not just from you but the ones you love. 

They say behind every good man is an even better woman, and that saying rings true for me for sure! 

She's my other half, my better half, and I wouldn't be where I am without her. 

So, thank you so much, Mimi, for being the best wife I could ever ask for. 

We'll be Huskers for life, but this is my last one as an athlete, and I couldn't have done it without you!