Bradley Brown makes a warmup throw during a Richmond summer baseball practice earlier this season. Brown has been a key part of the Rockingham Pony All-Stars’ postseason tournament run.
Bradley Brown is quite the exception to this rule, as he pretty much plays baseball year-round — until he runs out of games to play.
Brown started playing baseball at age five, and he has steadily been moving his way up the baseball ladder. He started out in recreation ball and this season played both Pony baseball and high school junior baseball during the summer, trying to better fine-tune his skills every chance that he gets.
“It helps with seeing the ball better at the plate. It helps keep me active and it helps maintain your baseball skills,” Brown said.
Brown is a versatile player: He has been penciled into the lineup at catcher, pitcher, first base, and outfield in some games this summer.
He feels his best position is catcher, but added he needs to work on his game behind the plate.
“I need to improve on blocking the ball behind the plate, and need to improve my speed running the bases,” Brown said.
For Brown, baseball is more than just a game. It’s been a teacher, showing him how to handle situations in life that arise both on and off the field.
It has also taught him the importance of determination and always putting forth your best effort.
“The game has taught me the importance of teamwork and learning how to handle the tough situations (both) in life and baseball,” Brown said.
“It teaches how to approach different situations, have a plan and think about the situation. It also teaches me to always give a great effort in things that I want to accomplish,” said Brown.
Brown has plans for his future, but for now he is concentrating on the Pony tournament.
Brown said, “It would be cool” if Rockingham could win the regional tournament and move on to Rhode Island to play in the next round of the Pony All-star tournament.
After Brown finishes his final season of recreation baseball this summer, he has set his sights on developing his high school game, and being the best player he can be.
“I’ll continue playing travel and high school baseball and make the adjustments that will help me improve my game,” said Brown.
While Brown doesn’t know what the future holds for him, he does have aspirations of continuing his baseball career beyond high school — on to the collegiate level and maybe further.
One thing that Brown does know is that the game has taught him numerous life lessons and given him a good work ethic.
Contact sports reporter Travis Anderson at 997-3111 ext. 44 or via e-mail at tanderson@yourdailyjournal.com
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