Written by Kyle Froehlich

Playing alongside Clark, my older brother, was always an extremely special experience.

It was like having a role model right there on the field with me, someone whose presence instantly motivated me to be better. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from him and grow as a player.

Losing my brother when I was 10 years old was a wound that cut deep into the core of my heart.

But as I started my athletic journey, his absence became a guiding star, lighting the path of my determination to succeed.

Knowing he could no longer play, I took it upon myself to play for him, to carry forward the legacy he left behind.

Keeping me level-headed

My brother possessed a unique ability to keep me grounded. 

He never hesitated to provide a reality check when necessary. 

In my younger days, I sometimes struggled with a big ego, and he was quick to remind me that there were always players better than me. This part of our relationship was pivotal for both of us.

He was a calculated and strategic thinker, someone who meticulously planned his moves. 

Unlike me, he didn't rely solely on natural athletic talent, instead, he excelled in sports through his strategic approach.
 
Occasionally, it bothered him that things came a bit more effortlessly to me. 

Today, I can say without doubt that his influence and guidance played a significant role in shaping me into the player I am today.

His influence

The loss of my brother at such a young age was heart-wrenching.

Losing a sibling is something I wish no one, especially at this age, should have to endure. 

Yet, his absence became the driving force behind my determination.

Knowing he could no longer play, I made it my mission to play for him. 

Each time I step onto the field, I carry his spirit with me.

He forces me — in the most motivating way — to always give my very best.

This sense of carrying my brother's legacy has profoundly impacted my baseball career. It has taught me to treasure every opportunity and not take anything for granted. 

Even on challenging days, when I'm grappling with adversity, I remind myself that it's just a game, and in the grand scheme of things, it's not that dire.

Some of my fondest memories of playing with my brother revolve around our backyard duels against our dad. It was always my brother and me versus our dad, moments filled with laughter and friendly competition.

Yet, the most cherished memory is that baseball was the last sport we played together. 

In that final game, I was the catcher as he pitched. 

It's a memory etched in my heart forever.

Joining the Huskers

Throughout my athletic journey, my brother's memory and influence has been my guiding light. 

The mindset I bring to the mound reflects his wisdom. 

I prioritize pounding the strike zone and maintaining an aggressive stance because I recognize how challenging hitting can be. 

And when adversity strikes, I've learned to let it slide off my back, a lesson directly from my brother.

My dad also had a big influence on my career.

His passion for the sport ignited my own desires. He instilled in me a love for the game through his knowledge and appreciation for the statistics. 

While I may not have valued statistics as he did, it helped me comprehend what it took to be a great player.

All of those experiences and lessons eventually led me to Nebraska. 

After stops at Colby Community College and Northwestern State, I get to now play Power 5 baseball — a dream come true. 

Joining the Huskers marked a significant milestone in my baseball career.

Stepping onto the campus for the first time, it felt like home. 

The community reminded me a bit of my actual home, Saskatchewan, and the warm embrace of the people I encountered made me feel like I had found a new family.
 
I firmly believe that my brother guided me here, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Nebraska on the field.

This year at Nebraska, my goals are set high. 

We have a competitive team that is hungry for success. We want to win the Big Ten championship and bring glory back to Nebraska baseball. 

The fans deserve a winning program, and we are determined to bring that to them.

In my eyes, we have an extra player nobody can see - my brother. 

For me, his spirit is a constant presence, urging me to become the best version of myself. 

Triumphs and victories are not just for my glory but for his memory as well. 

I take immense pride in carrying his legacy with me every single day on this amazing journey. 

And as long as I continue to honor him, I am firmly convinced that anything is possible.