My husband has been playing since he was a little kid and all growing up. From high school he went on to play at a two year community college. In one of his last games there he was sick but decided to pitch what he thought could be his last game anyways. At that point he had nothing lined up as far as baseball for the following year. A scout from a Division II college was there looking at another player and ended up seeing BD pitch. They liked what they saw and from there he went on to the D2 school to start a third year of college ball.
Junior College
D2 - Tusculum College
After his first season there one of his hometown friends (and forgive me I don't know/remember exactly how this part goes) had an opportunity to throw for a Cardinal scout and had Brandon come throw for this guy too. Turns out they liked him enough to sign him as a non-drafted free agent. [Brandon is only the second non-drafted free agent to make it to the Cardinal's major league team. This would be comparable to a walk-on going pro vs someone getting drafted to the pros. Pretty awesome.] They flew him out to join the rookie ball team to finish up the 2006 season.
Okay hang with me cause it gets tricky. When you start in an organization you may start at the very bottom and work your way up OR you start somewhere in the middle. It just depends how big of a prospect they player is. In BD's case he started from the bottom and over the past seven seasons has worked his way to the majors.
The order is...Rookie Ball, Low A, High A, AA, and AAA. If you think like me.. you think A is better than AAA, but it's actually reversed. AAA is the highest place you can be in the minor leagues. You may bounce up and down between the levels getting called up or sent down. You pack up your things and go. Think about it for a second. If you have a wife and kids what do they do? They pack up and move with you. I've heard stories of moving 11 times within a season. I pray that never happens for us, but it may.
Low A - Quad Cities
AA - Springfield Cardinals
AAA - Memphis Redbirds
The most common question we've heard this off season is where will he be playing this year? For BD, there is that possibility that he plays in AAA again. But it might not be for the entire season. He could bounce between the majors and minors. Yes, I it is crazy. For several guys, including Brandon, spring training is a try out. There are only so many positions on the big club and that's what his goal is this year to leave spring training on the major league roster. Until spring training is over we don't know a thing. He just goes out there every day and gives everything he has.
It isn't an easy task but if you know BD then you know he is going to be so grateful no matter where he is asked to play. He has been doing this for seven years. He will be the first to tell you dreams don't happen over night. Clearly he has been working on this since he was a kid. His faith is a huge part of where he is today. He isn't afraid to tell you there are plenty of other guys more talented than he, but God has been faithful to Brandon through his entire baseball career.
It's been a joy for me to watch so many of his games the last couple of seasons. It was the most proud I have ever been watching him last year live out his dream and I'm so hopeful that there is a lot more of that this year. Plus he looks goooood in a uniform.
Fun Facts about BD:
- Height : 6'5'' - lucky me I can wear heels and still be shorter than him.
- His first at bat in the big leagues he got a hit. [on the first pitch]
- He was part of a Pujol's grand slam.
- He doesn't ice his arm.
- Butterscotch milkshakes are his favorite.
- There are two seasons for him. Baseball and Hunting
- His favorite color is Camo.
Not so fun fact: BD took a line drive straight to the mouth when he was 15 or 16. They wired his mouth shut and he had all his meals through a straw. To this day, I don't think I could pay him to drink an Ensure. Had it been me, I would never taken the mound after for the pure fact that it could happen again. However, he recovered and is still doing what he loves today. Just another reason he is so unique and special.
If you'd like more be sure to read about his call up and his big league debut.
I would say something about how lucky he is... but I see that it has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with hard work, determination and faith in God's plan. Luck, I would say, was that you two found each other. Kudos to him for sticking with it. Sometimes it isn't easy to see a dream through.
ReplyDeleteLove the background story!! My parents will be at Spring training the last week of March. So wish we could have been able to go with them. So if you need anything from up here they would be happy to transport something for ya!
ReplyDeleteHello from your newest follower. I found you through Cup Half Full and I am loving your blog. That is such a neat story! Your husband is a true testament to chasing dreams and making things happen. Dreams don't fall into our lap, it takes hard work and dedication. How lucky he is to have such a supportive wife! Looking forward to reading your blog more!
ReplyDeleteI just need to congratulate you. Or maybe thank you? This is the very fist time my husband has read over my shoulder while I perused a blog. I think it has something to do with what your husband does for a living. He is a big time baseball fan. Played all while growing up and in high school, for a bit in college, and continues his love for the sport with beer league softball (I know that's not baseball at all). And he never misses a Twins game. Loved finding your blog. From one Lauren to another. :)
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