Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign

Playing for the Dutch and a promise

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:40:28 -0500

Here is an essay written by one of our former players. This is the motivating force behind the Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign.

by: Adam Duerfeldt

As I pulled into the parking lot I saw Jan conversing with friends. Earlier, our families had pulled together to overcome a catastrophic illness and a serious injury. We were 2-0 in doing so. I handed her the baseball in the line outside the church. Inscribed on the leather was, “3-0, becoming an angel is not considered a loss.” The tears began to roll down our cheeks. We embraced each other and then somberly walked into the church for the funeral ceremony. My best friend had passed away at 18 from pancreatic cancer. I sat in the pew and remembered the days of backyard baseball, practical jokes and discussions about girls. Tim was taken from us physically, but would live on spiritually. He would prove to be the biggest inspiration I’ve ever had. During our last days together I promised him I would do something to make a difference. Eventually, I would work with Jan and the rest of Tim’s family to set up a foundation which now awards six undergraduate scholarships and helps fund pancreatic cancer research.

Losing a best friend at 18 was unexpected and unfair, but I chose to use the experience as motivation. I would lace up my cleats, don my Central Dutch Jersey, and tape my wrists for pride, fun, opportunity and most of all, for Tim. Growing up together, he and I shared many hobbies, one of which was baseball. His father had been my little league coach and the baseball field had been our sanctuary since the age of 6. Like every child that smells the leather of a baseball glove, Tim and I wanted to be ballplayers. With him gone, it was my honor to play for the two of us. Little did Central know when I arrived that the Dutch would put 10 players on the field instead of nine for the next four years.

I knew when I decided to spend the rest of my life researching drug discovery that I had a long road ahead. But each day, no matter how hard or demanding, I knew I had an escape from it all for at least three hours. America’s game allowed me to clear my mind and redirect my energy. The educational experience I received in the classroom provided the technical knowledge I needed to move to the next level, but the skills necessary for life were being provided between two chalked foul lines.

The Madison & Lila Self Fellowship at the University of Kansas will provide tuition and a salary as I pursue a doctoral degree. Chemistry was learned in classrooms from the many amazing professors Central provided, but dedication, commitment and work ethic was learned playing in the dirt with my friends on baseball fields across Iowa. The game made it possible to continue a relationship and keep a promise to a friend.

I’ve been fortunate to have outstanding mentors. The people that have led me by example have influenced me to do the same. I look forward to continuing my education, conducting cancer research and saving people’s lives. Most of all I look forward to being able to tell Jan that a difference is being made. I cannot wait until the day I hand her a baseball inscribed “4-0, lessening the suffering of cancer victims is considered another victory.” Tim might have lost his battle, but the qualities I’ve learned have given me the confidence and determination to help fight the war.

As I hung up my cleats after the conference tournament I knew the ride of playing Central baseball was over, but the journey of life had just begun. The real world awaits me and I present myself with a resume that speaks volumes because I took the opportunity to be a student-athlete in college. I would do it all again if I had the chance. Then again, I thank God I had the chance to do it once.

Adam Duerfeldt ’06 was named the Iowa Conference baseball MVP and was the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Player of the Year, the Iowa Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the Woody Hayes Division III Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. He attends graduate school at the University of Kansas, pursuing a doctoral degree in medicinal chemistry

Campaign fundraising website

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:46:13 -0500

Campaign fundraising website

Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Here is our fundraising page: http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/79608

The Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign will last the duration of the 2012 Central College baseball season. With each strikeout or “K” the Central pitching staff records, fans will donate a pledged amount to the campaign. Members will also have the option to donate a flat amount at any time during the campaign. Simply click the “Donate Now” button at the top right of the screen. Be sure to leave a message of support!

We have set the minimum pledge of 10¢ per strikeout and set the maximum number of strikeouts to be counted at 200. For example, if the team records 235 strikeouts this season, a pledge of 10¢ per strikeout will equal $20, a pledge of 50¢ would equal $100.

Last season, the Central College baseball team set the school-record with 235 strikeouts.

Those wishing to join the Central College baseball team’s attempt to strikeout cancer can simply donate a flat amount at this time, or send an e-mail to stauberj@central.edu with the desired pledge amount. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, an e-mail with a link to this page will be sent for you to complete your donation.

Those wishing to send to send a check can make them payable Central College Baseball and send them to:

Jordan Stauber
Assistant Baseball Coach
Central College
Campus Box 6600
812 University
Pella, Iowa 50219-9989

Along with being part of something special, members of the Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign will receive weekly Central College baseball updates. Members will also be invited to Strikeout Cancer Day at the ballpark on April 21, 2012.

Be sure to follow the Central College Baseball Strikeout Campaign on Facebook and Twitter.

Twitter - @CentralKCancer

Facebook - Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign

Major League Support

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Here is a list of Major League Baseball players and managers that have passed along the Central College Baseball Strikeout Cancer Campaign information to their Twitter followers. As of this time, our global reach via Twitter is nearing 1,000,000 people thanks to these players/managers. This is an incredible number for only being around for just over one week.

Justin Upton - Arizona Diamondbacks

Felix Hernandez - Seattle Mariners

Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals

Mike Napoli - Texas Rangers

Derek Holland - Texas Rangers

Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Shelby Miller - St. Louis Cardinals

Zach Britton - Baltimore Orioles

Drew Pomeranz - Colorado Rockies

Tyler Skaggs - Arizona Diamondbacks

Zach Duke - Arizona Diamondbacks

Andrew Bailey - Oakland Athletics

Trevor Bauer - Arizona Diamondbacks

Jon Jay - St. Louis Cardinals

Jake Arrieta - Baltimore Orioles

Eric Young Jr. - Colorado Rockies

Joel Hanrahan - Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen - Pittsburgh Pirates

Jarrod Parker - Oakland Athletics

Dexter Fowler - Colorado Rockies

Dontrelle Willis - Philadelphia Phillies

Garret Richards - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Manny Acta - Cleveland indians manager