Sam Mirkovich, a 1998 River Ridge graduate who went on to play baseball at Centralia College and Central Washington, recently moved with his wife and dog to teach at an American school in Zagreb, Croatia. And not only does Sam get to enjoy an absolutely beautiful city and country, but he is once again playing baseball, now for Baseball klub Zagreb.

And in his first start for the klub, Mirkovich pitched a complete, nine inning shutout striking out ten batters while giving up just five hits and walking just one.

Mirkovich remarked on his Facebook page, “Somebody pinch me. If you asked me after college if I ever pitch a complete game again I tell you “no way”, on top of that in Croatia. Unbelievable experience. I’m having the time of my life here.”

Sam has agreed to write a diary of his experiences as the only American on a Croatian baseball team for Oly Sports, at least when he has time. Teaching, playing ball and enjoying his beautiful new home with his wife and dog are first and foremost and I’d hate to take him away from that, but it is truly a unique experience and I look forward to his dispatches soon.

You can watch a video of highlights from his first start here…

My first start in Zagreb from Samuel Mirkovich on Vimeo.