Knights share memories, thoughts, and meaningful lessons learned from their fathers.

With yesterday being Father’s Day, a few Knights players and manager Sam Martin shared their thoughts on how important their dad is to them. Three questions were asked: What does your dad mean to you? What is your favorite memory with your dad? And lastly, the most valuable lesson you received from your dad. Here are the responses:

Frank Weirman (pitcher):

The most valuable lesson you received from your dad: My dad taught me many valuable things. But the one that I will always remember is “if I want something in like, you have to go get it, it won’t be handed to you. Every single day someone is getting better or worse than you. Thousands of people want what you have, don’t let them have it.

Favorite memory: My favorite memory of my dad is one day my junior year after practice, my dad asked me if I wanted to go get dinner. May be simple but that was the first time I remember going out to do something with just my dad.

On what his dad means to him: My dad means a lot to me, he is one of only few people in my life that have lived by what they said. That guy is hard work. He taught me what it looks like to be in a good relationship. Taught me so much about the mental side of baseball, and he has made me mentally indestructible.

Danny Baez (2nd baseman, designated hitter):

The most valuable lesson learned from your dad: Although my father has given me many valuable lessons and pieces of advice throughout my life, the one that resonates with me the most is that “you must work hard for anything you want in life. No matter what it is that you choose to do, go at it 100 percent, so that you can say you left nothing on the table and had no regrets.”

His favorite memory with his dad: One of my favorite memories with my dad is waking up early in the morning before sunrise to go fishing on the beach.

Baez on what his dad means to him: To me, my dad is a true leader and a great human being. He is someone who puts others before himself. I am nothing but grateful for everything he is and does for me and my family.

Jacob Olde (pitcher):

Olde on the most valuable lesson he received from his father: I think the most valuable lesson that I received from my dad was not giving up on myself. He taught me that no matter how many people may give up on me, as long as I don’t give up on myself, I can continue to do whatever I want to do.

Olde’s favorite memory with his dad: I think my favorite memory with my dad would be the random trips we would take either in the car or in the RV. Those were some of the most fun moments I’ve had growing up.

Olde on what his dad is to him: A role model and a hero. He does a lot and I think it will go unnoticed at times. I truly an proud to call him my father.

Hunter Kloke (pitcher):

Kloke on the most valuable lessons he learned from his father: He has taught me many, but a couple that stand out would be to “always stand up for what is right. Regardless of what others are doing.” Another one is “to always do more. When you think you’ve worked hard enough, do a little more.”

Kloke on his favorite memories with his dad: I don’t have “one” specific memory, but I would say the countless hours upon hours we’ve spent together hunting, fishing, boating, working on things, or at the ball field. I’ve enjoyed every second of those moments.

Kloke on what his dad means to him: He means everything to me. I know there is nothing that he wouldn’t do for me and I would do the same for him.

Sam Martin (manager):

Most valuable lesson from his dad: Whatever you do in life do it for God.

Favorite memory with his dad: My favorite memory with my dad is going to game 5 of the 2011 NLCS with him (Cardinals vs Brewers).

Martin what his dad means to him: My dad is my best friend and my biggest role model.

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society,” minister Billy Graham said. The sentiments shared by the players and Manager Sam Martin show how important their father is to them by giving them crucial life lessons and creating memories they will cherish and never forget.