Bryan Karraker – Central Arizona / New Mexico State
2010, 2011 Rochester Honkers
Photo of Bryan in his final year at New Mexico State

What’s your favorite memory while playing for the Rochester Honkers?
BK: My Favorite memory while playing for the Honkers would have to be in 2011 when I got the nod to the bump in the late innings of a game against Mankato at home (I was an outfielder). I struck out the beer batter and the crowd rushed the field, chanting my name. Okay maybe the beer batter hit a 430ft bomb to dead center, but I looked good out there and got to pitch in a Northwoods league game.

What’s your favorite non-playing memory from your time with the Rochester Honkers?
BK: My favorite non playing memory would be all the times our team went out to the local watering holes/cliffs on days off. People from Minnesota might think it’s not a big deal because there are about 10,000 of them but when you come from the desert in AZ, any body of water bigger than a cup of water and a swimming pool is an amusement park in and of itself.

Who was your favorite teammate when you played for the Rochester Honkers and why?
BK: This is officially the hardest question anyone has asked me since I left Rochester in 2011. I can’t crown just one champion. The entire 2010 and 2011 teams were filled with some of college baseball’s greatest names. Devin Thaut, Davy Wright, Anthony Hutting, Brett Hambright, Ryan Hambright, Jordan Jaksomething, Jimmy Waters, Tony Kemp, and I think Ryan Ruiz played on that team too. Needless to say it was a team full of legends.

What has happened to you since you left Rochester and what are you doing now?
BK: Since leaving Rochester in 2011, I’ve had three birthdays, well over 1000 meals, and paid all my bills on time. Upon graduating in 2012 from New Mexico State University I headed home to Phoenix where I currently own a Screen-printing and Embroidery business with indoor batting cages. 

What was your biggest realization while playing for the Rochester Honkers?
BK: My biggest realization while playing for the Honkers was how fortunate I was to be presented with the opportunity to meet some great people, teammates, and life long friends in such a short period of time. I also realized that New Mexico State doesn’t hand out nearly the amount of clothing/gear Oregon University does.

Do you stay in contact with former teammates? If so, who?
BK: Here and there but not as much as I should, however now that I feel guilty about it, I will be making a more valiant effort. This questionnaire has me reminiscing about two of the greatest summers I’ve ever had. From the long bus rides and great games, to Minnesota’s finest; Pizza Ranch, it doesn’t get much better than when the Geese Flock together.