Darin Erstad a Standout NU Special Teamer
4 comments so far
July 13, 2007 by
It hardly seems fair that of all the fine special teams players at Nebraska over the years that Erstad would be the best known. Sure, he bombed a 73-yard punt in a tight game against OU back in 1994 and had probably the all-time PAT highlight at NU that year with his over-the-shoulder two-point conversion grab after a botched snap against Oklahoma State. No it’s Erstad’s standing as an elite baseball player that gives him the edge.
Erstad was the top pick in the 1995 baseball draft after enjoying an All-American season at Nebraska. After only a year in the minors he jumped to the majors and by 1998 had made his first all-star appearance. He made his second appearance in 2000, the same year he won his first Gold Glove award as a centerfielder. He took home another Gold Glove award in 2002 as well as a World Series ring when the Angels were crowned champions. He even caught the last out in the seventh game. In 2004, he won yet another Gold Glove award, this time as a first baseman (becoming the first player to win a Gold Glove both in the infield and the outfield).
Not since Bob Gibson has a Nebraskan been so renowned for playing baseball. Alex Gordon in Kansas City may be the next big star, but for now Erstad is the man. And while it has nothing to do with his special teams play, Erstad is probably the most famous special-teamer from Nebraska since Johnny Rodgers. And perhaps that fame has helped the Huskers build a baseball program that actually participates in the post-season.
Now with the White Sox on a modest contract (by major league baseball standards), Erstad’s surely on the downside of his career. But he was hard to miss whether it was on the football field or the baseball diamond.
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Ze Robertinho Jul 15 07
Are you guys on vacation together this weekend? My last 2 comments(on other threads) didn't get posted.
Jason Jul 16 07
Howdy Robert. This warm summer weather must be slowing us down some this week. Sorry your comments didn't get posted sooner.
Right now we have to manually sift through the spam and approve every comment. So, your comments don't show up in real time, but it keeps the site garbage free.
Not ideal I know. We have plans to provide frequent commenters such as yourself with an account so that your comments get published in real time.
Thanks for hanging in there with us! We love all the comments!
ze robertinho Jul 16 07
hmmmm, guess I still don't get it. I signed up on the Corn Nation site and posted lickety split. Guess other sites have software programs for 'sifting'.
LATE!
Scott Jul 17 07
When someone talks about Darin Erstad I'm sure the first highlight they think of is the "double extra point". I go back to the Orange Bowl against Miami when he booted a punt and landed it inside the 5 yard line to pin Miami back and force them to run as NU had already put a safety on them so I know they were thinking about that. NU forced a punt which gave them great field position which allowed to go in for a score and give them the National Championship. Erstad is a big part of that championship.
Great all-around athlete, fun to watch.