Purdue Northwest Retires Jersey of MLB Pitcher Chad Patrick

Local hero's journey from small-town Indiana to the big leagues celebrated by alma mater

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp planes of navy, gold, and crimson colors abstractly representing the athlete's path to success.A cubist interpretation of a rising baseball star's journey from small-town Indiana to the major leagues.Hebron Today

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) held a ceremony to retire the baseball jersey of alumnus Chad Patrick, a pitcher who has made it to the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers. Patrick's record-breaking collegiate career at PNW and his humble, hardworking spirit were celebrated by his former teammates and coaches, who credit the university's supportive environment for helping him achieve his dreams.

Why it matters

Chad Patrick's story is an inspiring example of how a small-town athlete can rise to the professional ranks with the right mix of talent, determination, and community support. His jersey retirement ceremony highlights PNW's role in fostering student-athletes and the power of believing in one's dreams, even from a modest background.

The details

During his time at PNW, Chad Patrick set numerous school records, including 27 career starts, 13 complete games, and 211 strikeouts. His standout senior season led to him being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. Now playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, Patrick credits his coaches and teammates at PNW for believing in him and helping him develop both his skills and character.

  • Chad Patrick was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 after his record-breaking senior season at PNW.
  • The jersey retirement ceremony took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Chad Patrick

A former pitcher for Purdue University Northwest who was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 and is currently playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in the MLB.

Dave Griffin

The baseball coach at Purdue University Northwest who recognized Chad Patrick's talent and potential early on.

Anthony Agne

A former teammate of Chad Patrick at Purdue University Northwest who is now a coach himself and reflects on Patrick's unique spirit and work ethic.

Kenneth C. Holford

The chancellor of Purdue University Northwest who emphasizes the importance of support and community in helping student-athletes like Chad Patrick achieve greatness.

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What they’re saying

“He was different. His talent was undeniable, but it was his humility and selflessness that set him apart.”

— Anthony Agne, Former Teammate

“Chad's journey reminds us that with the right mindset and support, even small-town dreams can become reality.”

— Kenneth C. Holford, Chancellor, Purdue University Northwest

“This jersey represents all of us. It's not just about me, it's about the coaches who believed in me and the teammates who pushed me to be better.”

— Chad Patrick

What’s next

As Chad Patrick embarks on his 2026 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, his alma mater, Purdue University Northwest, will continue to celebrate his achievements and inspire future student-athletes to follow in his footsteps.

The takeaway

Chad Patrick's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of community support and belief in one's dreams. His journey from a small-town Indiana athlete to a major league pitcher shows that greatness can come from anywhere, as long as there is the right nurturing environment to help cultivate and unlock a person's full potential.