Braden Brown finished his stellar high school baseball career at Harmony Grove High School as one of the most productive players in the school. Brown was a star pitcher, fielder and batter for several seasons at Harmony Grove. His tremendous play has earned the opportunity that most high school seniors do not get the chance to do; playing college baseball.
On Monday, May 15, Brown got to his live his dream of playing college baseball by signing his letter of intent with the University of Arkansas-Monticello.
"It's awesome. It's a dream come true. It's been a dream ever since I was little kid, I've always wanted to go to UAM and it's just a blessing getting to sign with my dream college."
He is set to join fellow Hornets teammate pitcher/softball Gabe Johnson, who signed with UAM before the start of the season. Brown and Johnson have been in the weight room, batting cages and practice often since a young age. The idea of playing together has been on their minds since they were kids. Now, they will get that chance to remain teammates
"It's gonna be awesome," Brown said about playing past the high school level with Johnson, "Me and him have talked about it since we've even knew what college baseball was and it's been a very long time and we've always said that he's gonna go play there together and it's happening."
Brown was the most dynamic player for the Hornets this season as a productive batter, solid shutdown pitcher and consistent fielder. In 110 plate appearances and 98 at-bats, Brown accumulated 44 hits (team-high), 14 double-base hits (team-high), one home run, 29 RBIs (second on team), 28 runs, 10 walks, only six strikeouts encountered, 12 stolen bases with no caught steals, a batting of .449 and an on-base percentage of .500.
As one of the Hornets' ace pitchers, Brown allowed 48 hits, 20 runs and 24 walks while delivering 59 strikeouts and an season ERA of 2.348 in 53.2. When he is not the pitcher, Brown was a player that can provide consistent fielding at shortstop or third base. Brown accounted for 35 putouts, 20 assists, five double plays and four errors.
When asked about his overall perspective of his baseball career leading to up signing day, Brown said, "It's been good, summer ball was my life and it still is. I still look forward to it every single year. It's more competitive than high school baseball, but I wouldn't trade those years in high school baseball for the world. Friendships grew and then getting to play with a lot of buddies that I play tournament ball with. It's just been a great time."
Brown will get the chance to show his natural baseball skills and his dynamic position set at the collegiate level as he will not be alone to go through this journey with.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove's Braden Brown posing with his teammates during his signing day.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove's Caleb Johnson, Braden Brown, Gabe Johnson, Mason Morgan and Lane Davis all pose for a photo after Brown's signing day.