DBU Report Winter 2020-2021 - Page 33

WINTER 2020–2021 33 some great Christian men that walked alongside me in a difficult profession for Christians to help me grow my faith. The people that you hang out with are going to have the biggest impact on your life.” Berkman says he was regularly tested to keep his identity and significance in the Lord and not in his personal success in the game. Late in his career, he began to contemplate his life legacy and felt himself becoming mentally and emotionally disengaged from the game, wanting to focus more on investing in people, sharing his faith, and caring for his family. He closed with encouraging words for the 2021 roster to enjoy this younger season of life with such an excellent coaching staff at DBU and the special brotherly bonds that are more difficult to reproduce in professional baseball. On a night in which Patriot fans paid tribute to Berkman, DBU Head Baseball Coach, Dan Heefner, shared his thoughts on the upcoming season and his 2021 Patriots team that welcomes back 24 lettermen and 16 newcomers to the roster. DBU Assistant Athletic Director, Brendan Smith, also visited with Austin Bell, Jackson Glenn, and Andres Sosa, as the three seniors discussed their decision to return for a fifth-year of eligibility after the 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice President for Administration and Enrollment Jonathan Teat, World Series Champion Lance Berkman, Head Baseball Coach Dan Heefner, and Director of Athletics Connor Smith Director of Athletics Connor Smith, Assistant Athletic Director Brendan Smith, and DBU returning seniors Jackson Glenn, Austin Bell, and Andres Sosa