Nate Theunissen winds down long career at CMU
In the rich history of Central Michigan baseball, one last name has been at the forefront.
That name is Theunissen.
“It means a lot (to be a Theunissen at CMU); we’ve got a lot of family history here at Central going back to my grandpa, my dad, my uncle and down to me,” senior Nate Theunissen said. “It means a lot to me, and it’s really special.”
Nate’s grandfather, Bill Theunissen, was a former CMU head coach (namesake for Theunissen Stadium) from 1953-62. Nate's father Mike and his uncle Chris Theunissen played in the 70s, ending with him, who is currently chasing a few records to finish out his career.
“My freshman year (having my name on the stadium) impacted me more,” Theunissen said. “I got a rough time from my teammates, but it’s neat to see. I just give myself a little nod and a smile.”
This season, Nate has had 164 at-bats, 48 hits and 12 extra-base hits, giving him 68 total bases and team-leading 37 RBIs.
In all of those statistics, he is ranked in the top five of the CMU record books.
“When we have fourth or fifth year players, I always look at them like ‘keep getting better, keep getting better, and at the end of the day, you overlook the fact that he’s had a pretty good career,” head coach Steve Jaksa said. “You take a deep breath and look up and, ‘you know what, you put up some good numbers.'”
Theunissen is ranked second in doubles with 48, fourth in total bases (360) and RBIs (171) and fifth in extra-base hits (75), hits (233) and in at-bats with (727).
He is one home run shy of tying for No. 10 all-time in school history with 26.
“The doubles record (stands out) you know I’ve got a shot at that right now,” Theunissen said. “If I was to look at that you know.”
Theunissen ended his high school career with the 2007 MHSAA State Championship for Mount Pleasant High School, and after being redshirted his first season as a Chippewa, he was ready to live up to his name.
Theunissen led the team in his first season of play in home runs with nine and RBIs with 47.
“It was really interesting. I was getting my feet wet, and nobody really heard of me. I was thrown into the DH role,” Theunissen said. “I just did my part and played my role.”
After he got CMU back on top of the Mid-American Conference. He lead the team to its first MAC West Championship since 2006 during that 2010 season with seven home runs and 54 RBIs. He helped led the team to its second-straight MAC West Championship in 2011.
So what is next for Theunissen after this season and his career is over?
“We’ll look at the draft when that comes around. If not, I have to go out and find a job,” Theunissen said.
With his career as a Chippewa coming to an end, Theunissen said he wants to be known for getting his team in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1995 as well as being on top of the record books.
“He’s not done yet, and I think he can still do some work for us,” Jaksa said. “He can have some quality at-bats and put us in position to win a few more games.”
