From Gotham to Pinstripe: A Full-Circle Journey

First Steps into Cornhusker Country

My first day in Nebraska was a whirlwind.

Fresh off the plane, I stepped into a state I’d only imagined.

As a city kid from Buffalo, I was no stranger to hard winters and passionate fans, but the Midwest was different.

My teammates wasted no time introducing me to their unique sense of humor.

In a classic prank, they took me to the agricultural school instead of the business school, pretending it was part of my orientation.

At that moment, I realized I was in for an adventure—and a few good laughs.

Despite the ribbing, they welcomed me with open arms, and their warmth helped me adjust to the different, slower pace of life.

Playing both football and baseball at Nebraska was no small feat.

While I loved football, I found my true passion on the baseball diamond.

As a pitcher, I relished the challenge of facing tough opponents, testing my skills against the best teams in the country.

From California to Colorado, our travels expanded my view of the world and gave me a sense of pride in representing Nebraska.

But football held its own surprises, ones that would lead me back home in an unforgettable way.

The Devaney Era and a New Beginning

The winds of change swept through Nebraska during my time there.

When Coach Bob Devaney arrived, he brought a fresh energy to the football program.

His leadership style—equal parts tough and compassionate—galvanized the team.

We went from underdogs to contenders, and the camaraderie on and off the field soared.

One of the standout moments of this transformation came during the Gotham Bowl in 1962.

Playing at Yankee Stadium, in my home state, was nothing short of surreal.

As I stood on the field, I was struck by the full-circle nature of the moment.

Here I was, a kid from New York, representing Nebraska on one of the most iconic stages in sports.

The game itself was a thriller, etched in my memory not just for the action on the field but for what it represented: the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and growth.

The roar of the crowd, the cold December air, and the pride of wearing my Cornhusker jersey in Yankee Stadium—it all felt like a dream come true.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Looking back, my time as a student-athlete at Nebraska taught me more than just how to throw a pitch or read a defensive play.

It instilled in me values of resilience, teamwork and leadership.

The challenges of balancing two sports, academics and life far from home pushed me to my limits.

But in those challenges, I found growth.

I learned to lean on my teammates, to celebrate victories and weather defeats together. I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room but about lifting up those around you.

And perhaps most importantly, I learned to appreciate the journey—the highs and the lows, the laughter and the lessons.

Coming Full Circle at the Pinstripe Bowl

Now, decades later, I’m preparing to return to New York for another iconic game: the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

After eight seasons without qualifying for a bowl game, the Huskers finally made it back to one.

The excitement of returning to the site of the Gotham Bowl fills me with nostalgia.

It’s been years since I last watched Nebraska play live, and the thought of reconnecting with the Cornhusker community brings a flood of memories.

As I sit in the stands at the Pinstripe Bowl, watching a new generation of Huskers chase their dreams, I’ll feel a deep sense of gratitude.

Gratitude for the path that brought me here, for the people who guided me, and for the chance to represent a legacy bigger than myself.

Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, it even brings us back to where it all began.

For me, that journey started in New York, took root in Nebraska, and now, decades later, returns to Yankee Stadium.

From Gotham to Pinstripe, the circle is complete.