He steps out of the dugout and feels the sand sink beneath his cleats. The bat is tightly gripped in his hand, a comforting and familiar accessory. His red and white uniform is crisp and clean.

It's May 17, 2008, and McKie Field is illuminated by several bright lights allowing him to see the opposing team waiting anxiously to make a play. He steps up to the plate and places the bat on his shoulder. He lifts his eyes and sets his jaw. The pitch is out. He swings.

This is a scene that baseball player and management major Tommy Nurre has experienced countless times. Now as a senior on Miami University's varsity baseball team, the reality is this may be his final season playing baseball.

"It's scary, I don't know what I'll do with my time," Nurre said. "Every day of this season means working harder to try to get drafted again."

This fear of what the future holds is something many seniors experience as their final year comes to a close. For Nurre it's not only the end of college but possibly the end of his favorite pastime.

Learning the game

Seventeen years ago, Nurre began the uphill climb to become what he is today. He didn't see the truly competitive side of baseball until sixth grade when he began playing on selective teams in the Cincinnati area. His parents delayed this type of competition to ward off the possibility that he'd become jaded by the sport.

Nurre went on to high school where he played for the St. Xavier Bombers of Cincinnati. Varsity coach Don DiGiacomo said Nurre was naturally gifted and always looking for ways to be versatile.

"He was an intense competitor," DiGiacomo said. "He played any spot on the team. He was also a leader and served as an intermediary between the coaches and the players because we trusted him."

Three years as a varsity player led to a hopeful future at the college level. The University of Dayton offered Nurre a scholarship. Just 24 hours before signing with UD, he received a phone call from Miami's previous head coach Tracy Smith that changed his future.

Joining the RedHawks

Although Nurre was not offered a scholarship with the RedHawks, Miami's beautiful campus and impressive new stadium sealed the deal.

"I told him you're always one play away from never playing again so choose the school you love, not the one that's going to give you money," DiGiacomo said.

He joined the team as a "preferred" walk-on.

Being a college athlete upped the ante of the game. It meant devoting lots of extra time - including practice, jam-packed game schedules and study tables. Time management and dedication were necessary.

For two years Nurre dedicated himself to his education and the team despite very little playing time.

"Tommy had to work really hard," Miami assistant coach Jeremy Ison said. "Becoming an established member of the team didn't come as easy to him as it did for some other players. He really had to work at it."

Nurre learned the value of his hard work when his chance to play came junior year. From there his career reached new heights.

A dream come true

Not only did he improve his swing at bat, he earned several awards. These included Second Team All MAC in 2008, Top Hitter and team MVP. Game statistics showed Nurre ended the year with a .386 batting average and scored 42 runs during the 2008 season.

He had finally found his place.

As the 2008 season progressed to a close, names of potential draft picks for the Major Leagues began to buzz.

"Going into the draft last year other players were mentioned but Tommy's name hadn't come up much," Ison said.

To his pleasant surprise, he was drafted in the 38th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He found out via a text message from a friend congratulating him on the accomplishment.

"It was a dream come true," Nurre said. "Your entire life that's what you work for."

Final lap around the bases

As the 2009 season gets underway, Nurre said he is aware it may be his last season of baseball. As a senior captain he is not only proud of his accomplishments, but he is devoted to the improvement and growth of the team.

"He is a team player," fellow RedHawk Chris Nadeau said. "He enjoys winning for the team, not just personal accomplishment."

This year, Nurre's statistics show his batting average at a .310 along with two home runs and 11 runs overall. Nurre was also recognized on March 12 as the MAC East Division Player of the Week for his outstanding performance that week. Every day is one more day for improvement. As the draft approaches again, Nurre is pushing himself to the limit for his ultimate dream.

Up to this point Nurre feels his greatest accomplishment in baseball is being drafted in 2008. This would be trumped by the RedHawks achieving a MAC championship for 2009 or being redrafted as a higher pick.

"If I get drafted again I will continue to play," Nurre said. "However, the offer would need to be a lucrative deal due to the economy and the fact that I do have a job lined up already."

Not only does Nurre have a job with Unum Insurance as a sales associate upon graduation, he also hopes to create his own business one day. However, Nurre said if he has the chance to choose the job or the draft, he feels there's a 75 percent guarantee he'd take the draft offer no matter what because baseball is his passion.

He swings

A loud crack vibrates over McKie field as the ball meets the bat and Nurre hits a home run that flies over the fence.

"If my son turns out anything like Tommy, I will be a really proud dad," DiGiacomo said.