Prospect Point Of View: Aidan Byrne ('20)
A middle infielder at Division II powerhouse Minnesota State Mankato and one of the hardest working kids to ever come through the program...
...Aidan Byrne has always been a "MASH guy." From the moment he entered our program he was a driving force in making our culture what it is today.
What is the biggest difference you've seen from playing baseball at the high school level compared to college?
The atmosphere. Everyone on the team wants to win and get better everyday. The intensity of practice and competition is high everyday which is a lot of fun.
What is something you think high school baseball players should stop stressing over?
Stop stressing over things you can’t control. These things will only cause negativity in your life which is not a great headspace to be in. Control what you can control and let the rest fall into place.
What decisions did you make in high school that helped you get to where you are now?
The main one is surrounding myself with people that want me to succeed and are willing to criticize me. Someone who can push you in training and also be your friend is a great relationship. Finding people who are striving for similar goals has helped me immensely. Doing it all on your own isn’t always the best way.
How can high school players develop a routine of excellence?
A routine doesn’t have to be big. Start small and find a routine that allows you to become successful. CONSISTENCY is also key when it comes to routines.
What are 3 big factors kids should consider when choosing a college?
1. The people - are the coaching staff and faculty going to be people who are there for you and truly care about you?
2. Career path - does the school have something for you to study that you could see yourself pursuing in the future? Playing baseball ends for everybody eventually
3. The culture - do they have a winning culture? Does the team seem bought in every year?
What was the best lesson you learned from developing at MASH?
Helping others succeed will help you in the long run. Worrying about everything individually only leads you down a selfish path. Having fun with your teammates and training with them will set you and them up for a better future.
How do you feel about the weight room in relation to being an athlete?
It’s a place to escape. It’s a nice way to get out of anything that’s going on in your life and focus solely on getting stronger. As you move up in levels, everyone is bigger, faster and stronger, so if you want to compete with them, you need to embrace the weight room
What was your favorite moment with MASH so far?
Traveling across the country to tournaments with the summer boys. We always competed and had a great time playing the game.
What is the funniest MASH story you have?
Breaking out dance moves with Dietz in the weight room.
What is one piece of advice you have for all of MASH Nation?
The people you surround yourself with really do impact your life in a huge way. Find people who truly care about you and bring joy into your life. Be a joy for others as well. Make someone’s day everyday, someone may need a pick-me-up in their life.