#4

Ryan Sturm

Nickname: Sturmy

Bat/Throw: R/R

Birthday: 7/17

Years Playing With The Tigers: 2001-present

Position(s): 3B/1B/OF

High School/Graduation Year: Springfield High School - Class of 2002

College: THE St. Cloud State University

Family: parents: Bob & Sharon, siblings: Mary, Karie, Randy, Ann, Shauna

Job: Group Services and Ticket Manager - St. Cloud River Bats

Best Part Of Playing Amateur Baseball: Playing with great guys, the dugout stories, the post game antics, catching a glimpse of the man, myth, legend Robert John Fink, having a chance to play for my hometown and playing in front of my family.

Greatest Baseball Game of All-Time: Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, still gives me chills when I hear the call, "And we'll see you....tomorrow night" Puckett was a beast, his catch, his bomb. Incredible performance and hands down the best game I have seen.

Favorite Bob Fink Moment: Boy oh boy, I could go places with this one. In all honesty, this man has been a pretty big influence on my life, not sure he wants to claim that title/role. He gave me my first shot playing in the show and I really enjoyed the years I played under him. He was always the man that was concerned with you as a person first, which is pretty unique in the grand scheme of things nowadays. His speech about stepping up and becoming a man during the Section Tournament against S.E. sparked us to win a game where we came back from an otherwise insurmountable deficit. Decision making down the stretch of that game was nothing short than incredible and I was proud to be a Tiger that day.

With that said...I have had a chance to see Beautiful Bobby and have gotten to know him pretty well. His everyday life is just a pleasure to be around and hope that someday he is granted a reality television contract. This show would be the most watched program in history, hands down. I think we all can honestly admit that he is one heck of an entertaining person, even though he wears pitches like an infant. Leave the knee pads on the knees Bobby.

Thoughts on Ryan Sturm Getting A Real Job: Well ladies and gentlemen, there comes a day in every man's life where he sees his destiny and purpose in life. For many this happens early in life, for me, well I took chances that led me down a path that many would not have survived (Schwab and Berg). I labored through my high school career chasing dreams that seemed unattainable for most (Schwab, Berg and Moritz), yet I knew that something special was ahead. I kept pushing along with dreams and aspirations that many had abandoned long ago (Schwab) with the intent to make the world a better place to live. I, in no way, needed recognition or praise for my accomplishments and endeavors like many request (Berg).

During summers, I worked jobs that kept my mind at ease in order to humble me and keep me in check with reality, something that many (Schwab) could have used in their life at some point. I continued onto college where I progressed as a man/scholar, which came as no surprise to anyone involved with my life. This collegiate experience led me down more paths that could have derailed my lifestyle and sent me in a downward spiral like many (Schwab) have experienced. I have always been a person that strives to get the most out of life and look for the good in all of God's creatures. My collegiate experience gave me memories that I will always cherish and friends that I will never forget. Many of my teammates (I think you get the point with the parenthesis) took quite opposite paths that I won't mention but, may or may not include: dark allys, ice cubes, snorkles, prescription medications, farm animals...well you get the point.

I stayed away from these temptations that have affected the lives of my fellow teammates and really feel that all of these decisions have molded me into the man that I am today. Some men need role models (Me) and these men generally have great character, willpower, grace under fire, charisma, unsurpassed knowledge, courage, will power, intangibles and a nice wardrobe of sleeveless shirts (I think we all know who we are talking about here). These men are hard to find and but the big man upstairs gave me a blessing in the form of a sculpted 6'2" baseball coach that goes by the nickname "Beautiful".

Granted, my path was not an easy path to take but I feel like this was only a matter of time before my mentor and destiny took over. I will always look back on my teammates downfalls and chuckle a bit...because I remember that we have all been there before. To those mentioned in parenthesis...Thank you and God Bless...Tim Tebow.

Favorite Ballpark To Play At: Gibbon, the only place I have ever seen a check swing leave the yard. Can you imagine if that park was in North/South Dakota? The HR records set there would be incredible.

Should A Pitcher Ever Be Allowed To Catch A Pop-Up? I think we all saw the answer to this when we played at Stark last year...Willie. Granted, he was not pitching, but when you talk about putting up the big top at the circus...wow.

Describe Your Ultimate Hot Dog: on a secluded island, with Rachel McAdams

Parting Thoughts: The world's biggest meteor crater is located in New Quebec, Canada. Interestingly, enough...neither Berg's head, nor Schwab's ego can fit inside of this area.