#2 Hitter: Brandon Sizemore, Waynesboro

The air continues to get thinner as we rise up the list...

Our #2 hitter, College of Charleston's Brandon Sizemore, was the glue that held the 2008 Waynesboro Generals together. By all accounts a gritty, get-your-uniform-dirty-every-game kind of player, Sizemore had a monster year at the plate. In 122 at-bats, he hit 377/469/746, with 34 runs, 46 hits, 13 doubles, 1 triple, 10 home runs, 34 RBI, an 18/30 BB/K ratio, and even 14 stolen bases in 15 attempts.

The first team All-League player at second base, Brandon came in 2nd in the league in average, 5th in RBI, tied for 3rd in doubles, 4th in home runs, 4th in total bases, tied for 4th in runs, 2nd in on-base percentage, and 1st in slugging percentage. All this while also missing seven games after bruising both heels in a pool mishap.

Like Cody Brown, Jeremy Cruz, and Joe Agreste, Brandon made ATVL's 2008 list after already playing in the Valley League for a season. In Waynesboro's championship season of 2007, Sizemore hit 260/330/375 in 208 at-bats, with 13 doubles, 3 home runs, an 18/49 BB/K ratio, and 14 stolen bases. As you can see, he improved radically from '07 to '08.

Sizemore spent his first two college seasons at Tallahassee Community College. In '06, in his freshman year, Brandon hit .318 with 4 home runs and 14 stolen bases. In his sophomore year, he hit .320 with 7 home runs and, again, 14 stolen bases (seems like a popular number for Brandon on the bases). (I could not locate Brandon's complete statistics from TCC.)

As a junior at College of Charleston, Brandon really took off in 2008, after his first season in the Valley (coincidence?). In 252 at-bats, he hit 325/388/675, with 24 doubles, 2 triples, 20 home runs, 82 RBI, 13 HBP, a 14/50 BB/K ratio, and 11 stolen bases. After the season, two special things happened: he was named to the 2008 Southland Conference first team, and the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him in the 46th round. Sizemore did not sign, and will be returning to CoC for his senior year.

Baseball America also noticed Brandon's ability, as they named him the #6 player in the Valley League in 2008. Jesse Burkhart included this writeup about Brandon:

Sizemore is .377/.500/.746 line was one of the finest in the Valley, helping Waynesboro score more runs than any other team except Luray. His summer was a continuation of a strong junior season at Charleston in which he batted .325, hit 20 home runs and drove in 82, a performance that prompted the Cardinals to peg him with their 46th-round selection. Physically, Sizemore evokes comparisons to burly middle infielders Dan Uggla and Bret Boone, generating good power with his considerable upper body strength. He is an adequate fielder, but his below-average range and arm strength limit his defensive versatility.

Defensive versatility or not, it looks like "B-Size," as the Waynesboro Superfans called him, will have a shot at a pro career after college. Congratulations on the excellent year, Brandon!

**ADDITION** General Sign Guy Mike, in his comment below, mentioned that Brandon has played in Waynesboro THREE years, not just two. He's obviously right: In 2006, Brandon hit 266/379/378 in 43 games and 143 at-bats. He added 5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 24 runs, 23 RBI, a 24/38 BB/K ratio, and 5 stolen bases. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Comments

[GeneralsSignGuyMike]

What a great year for Sizemore, he was by far along with Liberatore the Players of the Year for the Generals. Sizemore continued to improve just like college here each year with the three year span with the Generals. I wish we could have him for the fourth year but I know he will move on to the pros and do hope to see him on a MLB team within the next few years. From all of the diehard fans and Generals supporters we wish him the best of luck in the future.

GO B-SIZE!!!

[GeneralsSignGuyMike]

Your very welcome John, he did have a great season there in 2006 I think maybe possibly the best year defensive-wise for him.

I'll have another story for ya in about another week or so.

[Whitetabbycat]

Brandon is the best player any team would have. He was the best for Waynesboro Generals and he will be the best at MLB. When he goes up to the plate he thinks of nothing but baseball. He was born to play in baseball. Even if it is collage or MLB. When they get him. They will never let the B-Size go. He is also great at any potition you put him in. He caught the ball in 2007 to win the game. When he caught the ball he knew there was going to be a dog file. He gave the Generals their champtionship and made his baseball performace great then any other player would even dream of. I wish him the best of luck in MLB and don't ever forget your fans and friends that you made while you played for the Generals. Thanks for a great season. Go B-Size.

[stephen jaffe]

I got his game winning HR tonight against the (Tempe) Angels. A HR that bropke a 5-5 tie, to help the AZL Brewers beat the Angels. I gave him the HR ball. Sizemore has alot of class. I got a batting glove in return.

[james]

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