The 2016 Rams Reflect is the first in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
For a complete listing of the 2016 Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Cal Carroll, Baseball | Hometown: Methuen, Mass. | Major: Business Management
What it means to be a Suffolk "Mutt"
I've been a part of the Suffolk baseball program since 2013. Instead of calling ourselves the Rams, a tradition was started long ago by a group of Suffolk baseball players who had a specific edge and attitude about them. This attitude has multiple layers to it. To be a Mutt you have to have a chip on your shoulder that shows that you always have something to prove, whether we have a great team or a team that is underachieving. Being a Mutt means when times get tough on the field, you get tougher, and rise to the challenge. Being a Mutt means doing whatever it takes to win, and leaving every last ounce of effort you have out on the field for your teammates. Being a Mutt means that you are 1 of 30 something other Mutts who all have trust in one another and have your back no matter what the situation is.
To my teammates and coaches,
We've shared a roller coaster ride of memories and emotions along the way these past four years. Experiencing the ultimate heartbreak, and the most gratifying triumph. I've never been a part of a team that could overcome some of the obstacles that were in our way over the years.
To all incoming Suffolk baseball players, please understand what it means to be a part of this team. Especially for the seniors and upperclassmen who are there for one last ride. You never really see how much it means to guys until they walk off the field for the last time in their Suffolk uniform, and when you do see it, it hits you hard. I’ve been lucky enough to be around for four years and learn from some of the great leaders and players this program has had.
I hope that when all is said and done that I'll be remembered as a true Mutt, and leave no doubt that I gave all I had to offer to my team, each and every time I took the field.
Thank you to all of my teammates and coaches at Suffolk through the years, and thank you to my family for always being there to support me on and off the field.
Sincerely,
Cal Carroll #23
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