College Player Q&A: Brady Hall (#31,’18), RHP, Endicott College Gulls
Brady had four stellar years on the field with the Cavaliers: A career 1.10 WHIP, two-time Maryland State B champion, and All-Old Line First Team 2012-2014. He recently made the team at Endicott after proving his command on the mound, and on April 21, after five relief appearances, started in his first game, going 7 1/3 innings, facing 28 batters.
At one point, he retired 14 straight. Endicott won the game 3-2 with a walk-off homer in the 11th inning with two outs on the board. Brady has learned much in his first college season. He shares insight with just five games to go and then tournament play. (For more information, click here.) He’s learning what it takes to excel at the next level. By April 24, the Gulls were playing .786 baseball, not far from The Heights’ .714 in-conference play. The team is NCAA ranked #5 in the Mid-Atlantic region among D-III colleges.
Q: It takes guts to walk on to a college team—how’d you do it?
A: Well, baseball has been my whole life for as long as I can remember. I wasn’t yet ready to give it up. As guys know from back home I have an abundance of confidence when I pitch—no matter who the opponent is— DeMatha, Riverdale—whoever it may be. So walking out there and being able to pitch against hitters at this level was more a fantastic opportunity than something I was scared about. The only scary part was the thought of not being able to play baseball anymore.
Q: Do you think it’s a good route onto the field? Certainly, 155-pound, 5’9” pitchers can be overlooked at prospect camps or showcases. How’d you get beyond “big body bias?”
A: Honestly, I never really did get past it in high school. Coaches at big school programs always look at kids salivating over those who tip the scales and scrape the ceilings. It truly was tough knowing I had that disadvantage, but it’s what drove me. Once the real games came around I knew I was 6’5” on the mound, and that was it. As for getting into a college that looked past it, I knew all I had to do was prove I could get outs—as well or even better than the big guy. I had to prove to the coaching staff I may not have the physical side they dream of, but mentally, there’s no one better. Height doesn't measure heart.
Q: What have been your biggest takeaways from the college baseball experience?
A: It truly is a grind. Having 4-5 games in a three-day span, getting on and off a two-hour bus ride, and committing to the same routine day in and out—that’s mentally and physically taxing. The biggest part is that you have to keep reminding yourself it’s still the game you fell in love with as a kid. The game is supposed to be fun. Don’t treat it like a job, because when you do, you won’t see success. You’ll begin to fall out of love with the game.
Q: What observations do you have about adjusting to college in general? Is it hard to play 45-plus games and learn communications-marketing?
A: My first observation is arranging my priorities and getting things done when I have an opportunity. The workload for school and baseball is a lot. But when you organize your time and write that essay instead of playing your buddy in “MLB The Show,” it’ll come a lot easier. Next, always stay on top of your work and in contact with teachers. Always know what’s going on and have the relationship and ability to speak with your teachers. Lastly, keep in touch with your family and friends back home. I’ll frequently call my dad, talk to him about the latest Heights baseball game. I'll email Dan “The Man” Lively to see how his family is doing, asking how my buddy Dash Lively’s swing is coming along. I’ll always check in with Guy DeSanctis and Henry Crooks and my old second-baseman, Nate “The Great” Gadiano, seeing how they’re doing on and off the field. That’s important: remaining true to the people who’ve helped you get this far.
Q: What’s been the best and worst of college life and baseball on the Massachusetts coast? Is 10 hours too far to drive for a weekend of mom’s good home cookin’?
A: Mmmm, there’s a lot that’s good and bad. Fortunately, I’m on a team that loves to have fun, loves to share moments and treat each other like brothers, just how I remembered those great years at The Heights. The winter weather was a shock, real brutal, waking up in a world covered in white. Morning after morning after morning. Not being able to leave your dorm. But now that baseball and spring is here, things couldn’t be better. I get to play every day on a wonderful turf field, visit the beach, or get some ice cream with my girlfriend during my free time. I kick back, relax, and listen to the avid Red Sox fans’ claims that Mookie Betts is the best young player in the MLB. I’m very happy where I am. Sure, I miss my Mom and Dad, my friends, The Heights, and if I was maybe three hours from home instead of 10, I wouldn’t be mad about it. But it’s all part of life and growing up. (I do wish there was a Ledo’s Pizza here, though.)
Q: Looking back, what would you have done differently, if you could, athletically and academically, at The Heights, to better prepare for your college on-field/off-field experience?
A: I would work 10x harder in every aspect at The Heights. I never fully applied myself to training and schoolwork like I could have. I was lazy and stubborn. I’m happy where I’m at and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, athletically or academically, but I would’ve liked to come to school more prepared. Next, I would take more advantage of the facilities at The Heights. I know it may not seem like much to athletes there, but when you use them properly, they can help you tremendously. I also would’ve used the right-field hill more to my advantage, hitting. I think my career batting average would’ve liked that.
Q: As with all teams, there’s a proving out period, and you have accomplished pitchers on your roster, including J.J. Branch (in 2014 named D3Baseball.com All-New England First Team, NEIBA All-New England Second Team, CCC Pitcher of the Year, All-CCC First Team) and Nick Quattro (in 2015, 6-0, .99 ERA, 37 Ks over 27.1 innings). How have you dealt with that, been patient to get on the mound? Are you happy as “pitcher only?”
A: You just have to take the opportunities you’re given them and work your tail off. The guys on our staff are absolute studs. It’s fun to watch, but going from a program where I was used heavily and loved it, it is tough having to wait for opportunity. Being just a pitcher has positives and negatives. I miss hitting tremendously, and the feeling of a fluid double-play with Gadiano. But being a pitcher is what I do best, and being able to work on that craft every day before games and practices has allowed me to improve in my ability to work hitters and to work my off-speed pitches.
Q: What athletic and academic opportunities do The Heights ballplayers need to latch on to, to better improve chances for playing and excelling at college baseball?
A: In such a small school environment like The Heights, you have your brothers there who are always willing to play catch, throw BP, or field grounders. The old Cavalier left-handed legend Joe Kelly and I would go onto the field during lunch and throw long toss until we had to get to class. That’s what would make me better. As I said earlier, the facilities don’t seem like much, but what more do you need? Coach Fritts used to throw me batting practice, tweaking my mechanics and getting rid of the hitch in my swing. Those things aren’t always easy to come by—do them as much as you can. You’ll appreciate it later. As for excelling at the next level, you have to have knowledge of training and the drive to hit the weight room after a long practice, or, on a day off. It takes discipline.
Q: What have you learned from your current teammates and coaches?
A: The best players and teams find ways to win. They don’t take it upon themselves to hit a three-run homer every time they get up, but use what they have to benefit the team in some way. Sure stats are fun to look at, but at the end of the day if you’re not in the playoffs and dog-piling on your home field, who cares about your stats?
Q: Do you have anything in particular that you do differently than other players?
A: I’m a complete and utter nerd when it comes to pitching. My desire to throw harder, more accurately, for a longer period has always been something I’ve carried with me. My training is unique and sometimes disregarded as foolish. Or, people are hesitant because they’ve never seen it before. My size is a huge disadvantage when it comes to throwing harder. But research over my years at The Heights turned me into someone who can turn up the dial and beat even college-level hitters on high fastballs. I’ve always been willing to help any player looking to better himself as a pitcher, with velocity, and this summer I’ll be around for personal lessons. If you would like, contact me or feel free to ask Coach Fritts or other guys on the team for my information.
