Oct. 3, 2006

Eisenberg: road to the majors
eric Dowler
dowlere@marietta.edu

Fall semester, three years ago, a group of freshmen in seminar lab sat wondering what they wanted in the next four years of their lives. One of those freshmen knew what he wanted, but did he expect that “it” would happen in just a few years? The professor went around the room asking each individual what he/she wanted to do in life. The question came to Mike Eisenberg and he replied with, “All I want to do is pitch in the Majors.”

Three seasons, 141 games, and one MVP performance winning NCAA Division III National Championship game later, Mike Eisenberg is only months from succeeding in his life-long dream. Eisenberg, just off a seven month, 180 inning season, is back home recovering and relaxing in Miami, Florida. “I’m going to take a few weeks off to recover, then get back into the weight room. I have a five-month winter break, then camp starts on March 1st.” Eisenberg will either join Lake County-low A or Kinston-high A. If he makes it with Kinston, he’ll only be two steps from making the Cleveland Indians rotation.

“To be the best you have to work hard and believe you can succeed.” Eisenberg wouldn’t have decided not to return to Marietta for his senior year if he didn’t believe in himself and what he can accomplish. “The decision not to return was one of the hardest decisions of my life. It is tough to leave teammates and friends, but with the options available and winning the national championship, I decided it was the next step for my career.”

Eisenberg is not only a friend to many, but also a role model. Whether it is with baseball or just his positive outlook and strong work ethic, Eisenberg is somebody to be admired. Just as Matt DeSalvo, ‘03, was to him, Eisenberg has become a great friend and mentor to many people. “I want to thank everybody for their support in the team and my decision to continue my career. I wish the best for the team in the future.”

We can thank Mike as he returns to Marietta on October 28 to join his 2006 teammates as they are presented their NCAA Division III championship rings at the Heidelberg-Marietta football game. For more information on the ceremony, contact Sports Information Director Dan May at 740-376-4891.