At the All-Star game in Woodstock last summer, South Florida's Todd Brazeal blasted a home run during the home run derby, turned to his teammates, and raised his arms over his head. Why a mini-celebration over one home run? He was the first to actually hit one against a stiff incoming wind. In fact, Todd was one of only two players to hit one at all. That one home run, ironically, showed how much raw power this young man has. (He hit a few more in Waldorf, Maryland, during the home run derby against the Cal Ripken League.)
He certainly hit more than one during the regular season. As one of the big guns in Staunton's lineup, Brazeal hit 308/429/507 in 44 games and 146 at-bats, with 31 runs, 38 RBI, 5 doubles, 8 home runs, and a 28/30 BB/K ratio. For good measure, he added 14 stolen bases in 15 attempts. He finished 5th in the league in RBI.
Todd also had a fantastic redshirt freshman season for South Florida. He hit a monstrous 348/467/495 in 58 games and 204 at-bats, with 15 doubles, 5 home runs, and an excellent 36/32 BB/K ratio. He was named a freshman All-American by Baseball America.
Congratulations on your excellent season, Todd!
(To see an interview on the College Baseball Blog, click here)
(Pictures courtesy of Haymarket Joe Photography)
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