Ben Dickey, a 2015 Saint Viator alumnus and former Lions baseball player, currently plays baseball at Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. In his first year playing baseball at Northwestern, Ben reflects on his baseball career and offers advice to this year’s varsity team.

Dickey explains the difference between high school baseball and college baseball. “College baseball is definitely different than high school baseball in a few ways. One, living with these guys and just being around them 24/7 all year long makes us a very close team. Physically, college ball is a lot more strenuous on the body: three or four days a week of lifting and practice six days a week. 20-plus hours a week can take a toll over time. However, we get treated very well here at NU with our own strength and conditioning coach and our own trainer to keep us healthy. Baseball-wise, the game is much faster and players understand the game very well so you have to be mentally into it the whole time.” Saint Viator taught Dickey numerous lessons.

“Coach Manno was all about being accountable and responsible,” said Dickey. “I was taught you can’t just get by in this sport without working hard and respecting the game.” Dickey shared memories with his teammates during his career at Saint Viator.

“My favorite memory over my Viator career was either winning a regional or the trip to Myrtle Beach, both were just awesome experiences,” said Dickey. Ben Dickey offers his advice to this year’s varsity team.

“My advice for the team this year is to have a lot of fun. Try to be as close as possible of a team and always stay positive. Keep it loose on the field and this team could be special. Good luck to the boys,” said Dickey.