Mike Florak always knew he wanted baseball to be an important part of his life.
What he never knew was how important baseball would become in helping him overcome the most difficult trial of his life.
An Ohio first baseman from 1986-89, Florak was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after his final year in a Bobcat uniform. The then-22-year-old looked for help from doctors, friends and family, God and, yes, even baseball.
I had outstanding support from my family and friends
including coach (Joe) Carbone Florak said. He was outstanding. He gave me a graduate assistantship when I was there. A lot of people continued to give me jobs in baseball -to give me something to do and a reason to look forward to.
