After accumulating six championships, Michael Jordan decided in 1998 that it was time to leave the Bulls.

Likewise, the following year, Dan Marino hung up his Dolphins jersey after setting countless passing records in the NFL.

As star players’ careers wind down, sports teams are left with a dilemma — how do you replace the production?

This unenviable task was left to NIU baseball coach Ed Mathey after Jeremy Busch, NIU’s third all-time leader in hits and runs, graduated last season.

But the search officially ended March 16.

Since Pat Minogue stepped onto the field against Nevada, the redshirt freshman has excelled as the new leadoff man. Despite his youth, Minogue has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates and is a vital cog to a potent Huskie offense.

At Crystal Lake Central High School, Minogue made his final season his best. He managed a .481 batting average, 38 RBIs and 43 runs in only 33 games.

But when he came to NIU, he found his position occupied by Busch and found his position on the bench as a redshirt.

“It was a hard thing to have Patrick not play last year,” Mathey said, “but in the long run it’s in our best interests and his best interests to have him redshirt.”

Watching from the dugout, Minogue studied Busch intently. He learned Busch’s mannerisms; how he carried himself on the field and swung the bat. Minogue said Busch’s hard-working style made an impression on him.

So when the 2006 season rolled around, Minogue got his shot to replace his teacher.

After shortstop Bobby Stevens struggled in the leadoff spot, Minogue took over. And his bat has spoke for itself as the freshman is riding a nine-game hitting streak and ranks second among the starters with a .385 batting average.

“I’m just trying to get on base,” Minogue said. “That’s the mentality you have to have in the leadoff spot.”

The experienced trio of Scott Simon, Brian Toner and Jesse Seykora are reaping the rewards of Minogue’s .479 on-base percentage. The three upperclassman have combined for a .352 batting average and 61 of the Huskies’ 138 RBIs.

But his contributions in the field also have gotten him noticed. Modeling himself after pro players like Jim Edmonds and Juan Pierre, Minogue has displayed great range in the outfield.

Senior right fielder Toner has also noticed his teammate’s prowess in the outfield and is impressed with Minogue’s maturity as well.

“It’s tough to replace a guy like Busch, but Minogue has really stepped up,” Toner said. “Our outfield as a whole is speedy, so we trust each other. Pat is a quick guy, really dedicated. He’s helped me a lot with his speed on gap balls. It’s good to have him back there.”

Minogue said he knew it would be a challenge to play college ball at a high level, but he insists he tries to be confident, refocus every day and have a lot of fun.

If he keeps up his pace, Mathey is confident he will be a fixture.

“He’s taken over right where Jeremy Busch left off,” Mathey said. “And if that’s the case, I’ll be very happy because Jeremy Busch was a heck of a player.”