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As the sun sets on Chase Call’s final season, one can’t help but feel a twinge of pity mixed with admiration. Here’s a guy who shattered records and took on leadership roles, and yet, the emotional turmoil of leaving the Anteater Ballpark weighs heavily on him. It’s a classic case of brilliance overshadowed by the heaviness of nostalgia, isn’t it? But hey, who needs therapy when you can hit home runs, right?
Baseball: A lifelong obsession
Since the tender age of four, Chase has been swinging bats like he’s trying to knock sense into an absurd world. Born into a family that practically worships the game, it’s no wonder he found himself tethered to baseball, almost like an unhealthy relationship. “Baseball has been my life, for my entire life,” he declares, as if it’s some kind of badge of honor. But really, isn’t it just a bit sad? A life revolving around a game?
Chase flourished at Calabasas High School, playing alongside his brothers, each swing of the bat fueled by childhood dreams of glory. And yet, when it came time to choose a school to make those dreams a reality, UC Irvine stood out not just for its baseball program but for its *oh-so-relatable* coaching staff. Apparently, young coaches equal relatable mentors. Who knew?
Record-breaking and rivalry
Fast forward to April 1, 2025—yes, an important date for baseball historians everywhere. In a glorious 16-7 victory over the University of San Diego, Chase hit his 26th career home run, breaking the all-time Anteater record. Cue the confetti, folks! But wait, what really tickled his fancy? Not the record itself, but the *friendly* rivalry with his teammate Anthony Martinez. “There was a race between Anthony Martinez and I over who was going to reach it first,” he recalls. Ah, the sweet taste of competition, or is it just a cover for existential dread?
With accolades piling up like dirty laundry, Chase also snagged his first Big West Field Player of the Week title and helped lead his team to the Big West regular season title. Impressive, right? But beneath the shiny achievements lies a deeper story of pressure—pressure not just to perform but to mentor a flock of 20 new Anteaters. “I put a lot of pressure on myself…” he laments, as if he’s carrying the weight of the world. Isn’t that just adorable?
Beyond the diamond
But wait, there’s more! Chase didn’t just hang out on the field; he also joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Who knew there was more to life than just swinging bats and chasing balls? “It was really cool getting to meet people from different kinds of sports,” he said, as if it was groundbreaking. Is this really what we’re celebrating now?
Chase’s struggles with identity are another juicy aspect of his story. “You lose yourself in the game to the point where it becomes your identity, and it’s not healthy.” Wow, profound. But, really, isn’t that just the plight of every athlete? The struggle is real, and yet here he is, a walking contradiction—part athlete, part philosopher.
Lessons learned and future dreams
As he prepares to step into a world beyond baseball, Chase reflects on the lessons learned. “Baseball has really helped me recognize that everyone’s not the same.” That’s rich, coming from someone who’s spent his life in a bubble of uniforms and dugouts. Still, his favorite memories aren’t the records or the accolades but the friendships forged in the heat of competition. Could it be that the real victory lies in the camaraderie rather than the trophies? Who would’ve thought?
Now, as he stands on the precipice of graduation, Chase dreams of two paths: professional baseball or a career as an orthopedic surgeon. A classic case of “I want it all.” “I would love to get drafted…” he muses, as if the universe is just waiting to hand him everything he desires. But then again, who wouldn’t want a backup plan?
The bittersweet farewell
So, as Chase prepares to bid farewell to his beloved UC Irvine, he’s torn between excitement and sadness. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” he says, a bittersweet smile crossing his face. Isn’t that just the way of life? One moment you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re grappling with the bittersweet reality of moving on. But don’t worry, folks; he’ll always be a proud Anteater, whatever that means.