University of Minnesota Athletics
Role Model: Senior Second Baseman Luke Appert
5/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
While one is hailed as a living hero to many across the nation, the other is admired by many across the Twin Cities. They may not be equal on all levels, but their stories are similar: nice, hometown boy who never misses a game and plays every one with 100 percent effort and enthusiasm. For Appert, a native of Cottage Grove, Minn., it was the University of Minnesota all the way. It was the first school knocking at his door, the only one he looked at, the only one he ever wanted to play for. "It was an easy choice," he said. "I committed as soon as I had a chance."
Appert hit the ground running as soon as he put on the Maroon and Gold uniform. As a true freshman, he played in 57 games and led the team with a .346 batting average and .623 slugging percentage. For his efforts he was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honorable mention as well as third-team All-Big Ten. The following year, he started in 58-of-60 games played. Although his bat was in a bit of a "slump" from the year before, hitting only .319 on the season, Appert did not lose focus while playing. The sophomore may have been struggling at the plate, but rode a 23-game errorless streak at second base into the 2002 season.
In 2002, Appert found his swing and let opposing pitchers know it. He improved his batting average to .361, knocking out a career-high 14 home runs, while also hitting 16 doubles and scoring 55 runs. His .390 batting average, .770 slugging percentage and nine homers in Big Ten play earned Appert Tri-Big Ten Player of the Year accolades and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Although all the individual attention is nice to receive, he realizes he could not achieve nearly as much personally if it were not for the success of the team. The "team first" attitude that many admired in Ripken can be seen just as much in Appert. "The awards matter and they're nice, but I'd rather win Big Tens and go to a (NCAA) Regional. The team is more important," Appert remarked. "It's more like a team award anyway because if it weren't for the other guys, I wouldn't be as successful."
Appert's consistent bat has always been a focal point in his game and has earned him attention throughout his years with the Gophers. This season, he has led the team in batting average for almost the entire season and has already hit a career-best 21 doubles through 51 games. But when asked what he is most proud of during his time at the U, it's not his talent at the plate. It's nothing like Cal's streak, but Appert has never missed a scheduled start. His 226 games played, including 208 starts, rank him seventh in the all-time Minnesota list. When he is supposed to play, he has been out there every time. "I'm somewhat lucky that I've never had a big injury, knock on wood," Appert said. "I've played through a few minor injuries, but nothing that could really hold me back. I just put it in the back of my mind."
Because Appert has played during almost every game over the past four years, he has slipped into being the leader both on the field and in the dugout. It is a role he feels completely comfortable with, taking time to discuss plays and strategies with coaches as well as talking to teammates and getting to know the freshman and new comers. By watching other leaders like Jason Kennedy and Jack Hannahan, Appert has felt comfortable stepping into the leader position. "I learned a lot from the older guys. They helped me get better everyday and fit in with the team. What they did for me, I make a conscious effort to pass on. I enjoy it, trying to lead and motivate."
Appert admires Ripken because, in his words, "He played hard every game. He was a team player and respected by everyone on his team and in the league. He's just an all-around good guy."
Funny, you could say the same thing about Luke Appert. His favorite player is Cal Ripken Jr. He even still says his name with the same enthusiastic smile that he probably did when he was 10. Every kid has that one player that they have always followed, always admired. Friendly, hardworking, talented, intelligent, easy-going, determined - Ripken embodied all that is good with baseball. All of those qualities can be seen in his admirer too. Luke Appert could be called the Cal Ripken of Golden Gopher baseball.
While one is hailed as a living hero to many across the nation, the other is admired by many across the Twin Cities. They may not be equal on all levels, but their stories are similar: nice, hometown boy who never misses a game and plays every one with 100 percent effort and enthusiasm. For Appert, a native of Cottage Grove, Minn., it was the University of Minnesota all the way. It was the first school knocking at his door, the only one he looked at, the only one he ever wanted to play for. "It was an easy choice," he said. "I committed as soon as I had a chance."
Appert hit the ground running as soon as he put on the Maroon and Gold uniform. As a true freshman, he played in 57 games and led the team with a .346 batting average and .623 slugging percentage. For his efforts he was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honorable mention as well as third-team All-Big Ten. The following year, he started in 58-of-60 games played. Although his bat was in a bit of a "slump" from the year before, hitting only .319 on the season, Appert did not lose focus while playing. The sophomore may have been struggling at the plate, but rode a 23-game errorless streak at second base into the 2002 season.
In 2002, Appert found his swing and let opposing pitchers know it. He improved his batting average to .361, knocking out a career-high 14 home runs, while also hitting 16 doubles and scoring 55 runs. His .390 batting average, .770 slugging percentage and nine homers in Big Ten play earned Appert Tri-Big Ten Player of the Year accolades and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Although all the individual attention is nice to receive, he realizes he could not achieve nearly as much personally if it were not for the success of the team. The "team first" attitude that many admired in Ripken can be seen just as much in Appert. "The awards matter and they're nice, but I'd rather win Big Tens and go to a (NCAA) Regional. The team is more important," Appert remarked. "It's more like a team award anyway because if it weren't for the other guys, I wouldn't be as successful."
Appert's consistent bat has always been a focal point in his game and has earned him attention throughout his years with the Gophers. This season, he has led the team in batting average for almost the entire season and has already hit a career-best 21 doubles through 51 games. But when asked what he is most proud of during his time at the U, it's not his talent at the plate. It's nothing like Cal's streak, but Appert has never missed a scheduled start. His 226 games played, including 208 starts, rank him seventh in the all-time Minnesota list. When he is supposed to play, he has been out there every time. "I'm somewhat lucky that I've never had a big injury, knock on wood," Appert said. "I've played through a few minor injuries, but nothing that could really hold me back. I just put it in the back of my mind."
Because Appert has played during almost every game over the past four years, he has slipped into being the leader both on the field and in the dugout. It is a role he feels completely comfortable with, taking time to discuss plays and strategies with coaches as well as talking to teammates and getting to know the freshman and new comers. By watching other leaders like Jason Kennedy and Jack Hannahan, Appert has felt comfortable stepping into the leader position. "I learned a lot from the older guys. They helped me get better everyday and fit in with the team. What they did for me, I make a conscious effort to pass on. I enjoy it, trying to lead and motivate."
Appert admires Ripken because, in his words, "He played hard every game. He was a team player and respected by everyone on his team and in the league. He's just an all-around good guy."
Funny, you could say the same thing about Luke Appert.
