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Picture this: a young kid, bat in hand, dreaming of the big leagues. Fast forward to today, and we find Chase Call, a star on the UC Irvine baseball team, grappling with the bittersweet end of his college career. What a ride it’s been! From breaking school records to forming lifelong bonds, Chase’s story is both inspiring and a little tragic. Can you feel the weight of that bat? It’s heavy, my friends, and so is the nostalgia for those days spent on the diamond.
Chasing dreams from a young age
Chase Call has spent his entire life with baseball as his constant companion. You could say it’s been a love affair that started when he was just four years old. Growing up in a family that lives and breathes baseball, Chase was practically born with a glove on his hand. The other sports? Just distractions. He was destined for the diamond. “Baseball has been my life, for my entire life,” he declares, a statement that drips with both pride and an unsettling hint of obsession. Isn’t it wild how one sport can consume a person’s entire identity?
A turning point at UC Irvine
As high school drew to a close, Chase had dreams of playing professionally. Choosing UC Irvine was more than just a decision; it was a desperate grasp at a dream. What sealed the deal? The coaching staff—young, relatable, and clearly invested in their players. Chase felt the warmth of their care, which ignited a flame of hope. Isn’t that what every athlete craves? Someone who gives a damn about them beyond the game?
Breaking records and making memories
Then came the moment that would seal his legacy: April 1, 2025. In a game against the University of San Diego, Chase hit his 26th career home run, setting a new all-time Anteater record. The cheers, the adrenaline—it must have felt like a dream come true. But let’s not kid ourselves; the real joy came from the friendly rivalry with his teammate, Anthony Martinez. “It was a race to see who would break the record first,” Chase recalls, beaming. But why does it always come down to competition? Isn’t it exhausting to constantly measure yourself against others?
Leadership and legacy
Chase’s senior year was nothing short of extraordinary. He wasn’t just hitting home runs; he was building a legacy. After losing several key players from the previous season, Chase stepped up as a mentor to the incoming freshmen. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to make this team resemble the one from last year,” he admits, as if the success of the team rested solely on his shoulders. Isn’t it a bit much? That kind of pressure can crush a person. But Chase didn’t falter; he rallied his team, bonding over shared struggles and triumphs.
Beyond the field: personal growth
But wait, there’s more to Chase than just home runs and accolades. He took a leap into the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, advocating for the Meet the Moment Referendum. Sounds noble, right? “It was cool meeting people from different sports and learning their perspectives,” he shares. But how often do we stop to think about the pressures athletes face beyond the game? The mental toll it takes can be staggering. Chase has battled with his identity, wrestling with the notion that he is more than just a baseball player. A struggle many can relate to, but few dare to voice.
The struggle for identity
“I was struggling a lot on the field, and it spilled over into my relationships,” Chase confesses. It’s a raw admission that many young athletes might resonate with. The game can consume you, morphing into your very identity, suffocating who you are outside of it. But Chase fought back, diving into therapy and self-reflection. “I found it fascinating that I learned so much about myself,” he says, a hint of pride lighting up his face. It’s a powerful reminder that beneath the accolades lies a human being grappling with his existence.
Friendships forged in the fire
Despite the pressures and struggles, Chase treasures the friendships he’s forged. “I’ve met a really good core group of friends,” he says, reminiscing about moments spent playing cards or celebrating each other’s successes. His favorite memory? Celebrating his friend Woody Hadeen’s draft party when Woody was selected by the Detroit Tigers. “It’s awesome to see my friends work so hard and accomplish their dreams,” he beams. But isn’t it bittersweet? Watching friends chase their dreams while facing the looming uncertainty of your own?
Looking forward, but not forgetting
As Chase prepares to graduate with a degree in Public Health Policy, he stands at a crossroads. Will he pursue a career in professional baseball or head to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon? “I would love to get drafted and continue playing baseball, but the backup plan is medical school,” he admits. It’s a juggling act, and who knows what the future holds? But let’s be real, isn’t it terrifying to think about leaving behind something that has been your life for so long?
Chase Call’s journey at UC Irvine has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, victories and profound realizations. As he prepares to leave the diamond behind, he carries with him lessons learned and friendships forged. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to leave Irvine,” he admits, a hint of sadness in his voice. But hey, isn’t that what life is all about? Moving forward while cherishing the moments that shaped you? Chase Call may be leaving the field, but his story is far from over. Who knows what comes next?