Tales From the Eck: A Blog by Collin Stoecker

May 22, 2018

By Collin Stoecker

After going down with a career-ending injury, my life was changed. The sport that helped get me to Notre Dame had been taken away from me. I love this school and this baseball program with all of my heart and would do anything to be on the field competing with my 34 best friends. Once I found out I could no longer compete on the field, I knew I had to find another way to contribute.

I was given the opportunity this year to rebrand our social media accounts and to expand the brand of Notre Dame baseball. Each day I showed up to practice looking for ways to capture the lives of my teammates and show the world the work and dedication that they put in. From “First to Third with Notre Dame Baseball” to the countless hours of community service our guys put in (945 hours to be exact), I wanted to let fans know that the team representing the University of Notre Dame was made up of not only elite athletes but also elite people.

Being behind the camera and social media accounts has been such an honor for me. It has turned into my way of competing and fighting for my teammates on and off of the field. By giving them a platform to show off their accomplishments, our program’s reach is able to grow and we are able to share the story that is Notre Dame baseball.

The best part about doing my job is that my teammates make it so easy. What you see on TV – whether it be Nick Podkul and Cole Daily‘s handshake, or Cole Kmet picking up David LaManna after a big save – is 100% authentic friendship and love. This team is so special because of the people who are on it. Our guys genuinely care for one another and push each other to be better people and for someone trying to promote them and our program I am so lucky to work with such great friends.

Going into the ACC tournament, I can guarantee our guys will show up and represent our program and the University of Notre Dame as they have done all year long. No matter the result, I will always be thankful and proud to be a part of this team because of what it stands for and the work it puts in to accomplish its mission.

Go Irish! #PassTheShillelagh

Formerly a left-handed relief pitcher, Collin Stoecker is currently a junior manager on the Irish baseball team. Stoecker hails from Lascassas, Tennessee, and assists with the team’s community service, marketing and social media efforts.