PNW pitcher  Owen Walkowiak will always be involved in baseball, even if it’s not on the field.

A junior Biology major, Walkowiak is captain of the pitching staff. And he loves the game.

 “Baseball is so important to me because I have been playing it my whole life,” said the Crown Point native. “It’s just something I am super passionate about and it’s engraved into my daily routine.

“Nothing could drive me away from this sport,” said Walkowiak. “I’m going to keep it in my life by attending games, MLB or college. I will keep up with statistics, and one day I hope to coach my own kid.”

Though PNW Pride baseball does not have the national reputation of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Texas A&M Aggies or the University of Kentucky Wildcats, players here share a passion for the game.

And they worry about life after graduation. 

“When I am done playing baseball, a part of me will be missing,” said Walkowiak. “Baseball is more than just a sport to me. It is something I have structured my life around.

“I am grateful for the knowledge I have gained and the character traits I have grown through PNW baseball that will make me successful … after I take the jersey off,” he said.

Walkowiak hopes that he can share his experience with others. 

“I am able to guide people [who] do not have as much experience as me,” he said. “I get to tell them what does and does not work when playing at a higher level.”