World Series Champion Nathaniel Lowe Speaks at 32nd Annual Baseball Banquet

"This is bigger than what you guys do on the mound, it's bigger than what you do in the field or the batter's box. It's about who you are as people. Your identity is not found in what you do, but your identity is in Christ." – Nathaniel Lowe.

On February 9, Dallas Baptist University hosted the 32nd Annual Patriot Baseball Banquet where current Texas Ranger and World Series Champion, Nathaniel Lowe headlined the event. He was joined on stage and interviewed by DBU's Associate Director of Athletics for Media Relations, Reagan Ratcliff. Lowe reminisced on a few stories from his childhood, including his father's decision to become a fighter pilot instead of pursuing a career in the MLB, and his friendly rivalry with his brother, Josh, who also played baseball. Both Lowe brothers began their MLB journey with the Tampa Bay Rays, but in 2020 Nathaniel was traded to the Texas Rangers, who were amid a rough patch at the time. The first few years on the team were a challenge, but he was also eager to get after it because he saw the potential that the Rangers could tap into during this rebuilding season.

Ratcliff continued the interview by asking Lowe about how it felt to be a part of the Texas Ranger's incredible 2023 season and their World Series Championship victory. Lowe explained that their victory is not an end point, but rather a brief highlight during their careers that they will continue to work hard after. "We are bigger than our jobs. It's cool to win, but there is a whole lot more to life than winning and losing." He closed by imparting some advice to the Patriots, "Make the most of your time here because it doesn't last forever. You are going to be a former player a lot longer than you are a current player. So go out there and enjoy it, make the most of it, and do not leave anything left on the field."

Also, during the banquet, Matt Duce, DBU's Director of Athletics, invited two former Patriot Baseball players to be inducted into the DBU Sports Circle of Honor. Drew Smith came to DBU as a freshman in 2013 and his performance on the mound was an integral part of DBU's 2015 team that hosted the Dallas Regional. After playing at DBU, Smith spent three years in the minor leagues and then debuted with the New York Mets in 2018. Colin Poche transferred to DBU in 2015 and was an All-American and the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2016. He is entering his fourth year in the Major Leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he and Nathaniel Lowe used to be teammates. "Both of these men are fierce competitors, loyal friends, and Patriots forever." ­– Matt Duce. They were presented with jackets that feature the DBU circle of honor emblem to signify their induction into this distinguished group. Other inductees include Brandon Bantz, Victor Black, Josh Causey, Ryan Goins, Jason Krizan, and Ben Zobrist.

The banquet continued with a word from DBU Head Baseball Coach, Dan Heefner. He is fired up about the upcoming season and offered encouragement to the players as they head into the opening weekend. This year's team returns 16 lettermen from the team that reached the NCAA postseason for the ninth consecutive year, and this team welcomes 22 newcomers to the DBU family. "We are not just baseball players. That's not who we are, it's just what we do" – Dan Heefner.

DBU's Director of Athletics Matt Duce provided a closing statement at the end of the event, "For 32 years, the DBU Baseball Banquet has commenced a great tradition in the life of the University: DBU Baseball season. DBU Athletics and DBU Baseball express our grateful appreciation for the many alumni, donors, and fans who make the banquet possible through their generous support. Go, Patriots!"

The Patriots open their 2024 season on Friday, February 16, at 3:05 PM, where they will face off against Southeast Missouri at Horner Ballpark at the DBU campus. To purchase tickets, visit dbutickets.com.