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Show X TITLE TOWN X Dedication: From DUKE • 3 lies their legendary status as two of the finest ballplayers in SF baseball history. Brock is the only player to win two state championships as an active player, one as a freshman and the other as a senior. "Winning one of them was awesome!" said Brock. "I think it was big to be able to know what it was like to win one as a freshman. It's awesome to be able to start and end your career with one. I couldn't have asked for anything better for me and my teammates." But even better than that, nothing compares to having that opportunity to share one with your sibling. Only two other SF brothers have had the rare privilege of sharing the field to help bring home the state crown. Ben and Matt Marziale were the other duo in 1992. However, no two brothers have made a greater impact in any state title run, and to do it under a difficult circumstance speaks volumes of their character. "It's been awesome!" said Brock. "It's been great for me and Adam to help and support each other. It was great to spend time together with my brother like that on the ball field. It was a great opportunity." According to Adam, playing the game of baseball with his older brother has always been the norm. "It's been awesome!" he said. "We've been playing with each other since we began playing. It will be pretty weird not playing with him next year." The younger Duke also mentioned that not only does his brother have great baseball knowledge, but that he is someone to help give great advice. "He's been a big brother that's always there," said Adam. "He's so smart Russell Durtschi / Spanish Fork News Namon Bills / Spanish Fork News ONE-TWO PUNCH: Adam and Brock Duke provided plenty of firepower from the mound all season. Both came up with big performances during the state tournament. with the game of baseball, but he can also answer any question I have off the field. You always have that one person you can talk to. It's been great." Without hesitation. Brock called his dad his "greatest baseball mentor." Adam concurred and added his brother's name in the same breath. Dev Duke was a father who was always willing to practice and help his sons improve their baseball skills. But he was never forceful. He allowed the love of the game to grow within them, and that love has obviously been their driving force. After dedicating this season to their father, the Duke boys came through in the clutch as they always seem to do. So what does it mean for them to win the title in honor of their father? "It means a lot," said Adam. "It made this season that much more special. It was something that we kind of relied on." Brock said his mom was also a huge part of their success and they really appreciated her being there and being a part of it all. (801)798-7447 950 E. 800 N. Spanish Fork orts 801.798.3587 72 N. Main St., Spanish Fork 187 E. 1000 N., SPaiUSH FOrK (801) 798-9803 We value each of you and what you have accomplished! Both Dukes were responsible for the final out, and during the traditional dogpile celebration on the pitcher's mound, a sign prepared by Sam Lunceford was held up and passed around which read, "Dev, We Did It!" for all to see. For several minutes, it was hard to find a dry eye in that sea of red at UVU's Brent Brown Ballpark. Father to son is where it all began. On Friday May 22, 2009, the Duke boys came full circle and gave back a priceless gift the only way they know how, with class. Here's to the champions! Way to go, Dons! |