Gator-Aid

Eustis High School standout baseball player Brady Singer will take his pitching talents to the University of Florida.

Many kids dream big. They imagine themselves growing up to be doctors, firefighters, actors, and soldiers. The percentages of those dreams that become reality are quite low.

And for those who dream of becoming a major league baseball player, the numbers are staggeringly lower. In fact, only 0.6 percent of high school players play professionally, according to statistics from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Lifelong Lake County resident Brady Singer was on his way to defying those odds. During the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected the right-handed ace pitcher from Eustis High School as the 56^th overall pick. However, he did not reach an agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays before the July 17 deadline for signing 2015 draftees. Don’t think for one second that his dreams have been shattered. It’s just that he realizes there is more to life than the fame, money, travel, and other perks of being a professional athlete. That’s why he decided to honor his original commitment to the University of Florida and play three years in Gainesville.

Simply put, Brady, 18, is proud to be a Florida Gator and don the orange-and-blue uniform.

“I’ll have an opportunity to earn a degree before moving on to professional ball. Plus, the ratio of college players who play professionally is much higher than players right out of high school.”

Fulfilling a Dream

Inside the home of Brady’s parents is an area affectionately known as “the baseball room.” Newspaper articles, game-winning baseballs, trophies, and medals are constant reminders of his feats on the baseball field.

There’s also a picture on the wall that has served as the inspiration behind Brady’s drive and determination. The picture shows the bloodied face of legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan after being hit by a line drive.

“That picture captured his competiveness and desire to win. It always inspired me and still does to this day.”

Brady recalls falling in love with the sport the moment he first held a baseball.

“I knew right then I wanted to be a baseball player and never wanted to be anything else. As a small boy, I would go outside and make diving catches in mud puddles and slide into dirt. I’d also throw the baseball with my older brother, Brandon.”

At 7, he became a member of a travel team called the Little Giants. And during his teenage years he joined Chet Lemon’s Juice, a travel team based in Mount Dora. Brady thrived under the tutelage of Chet Lemon, a three-time Major League Baseball all-star and member of the 1984 World Series champion Detroit Tigers. The Juice traveled extensively, and Brady went as many as 18 days without seeing his parents. However, that allowed him to form a valuable bond with Chet.

“He took me under his wing and we bonded like a father and son. He had me working out and training five days a week. I always listened to what he had to say because Chet played professional baseball for 20 years. He was the one who got me where I am today, and he also helped get scouts out to see me play.”

‘Arm’ed and Ready

Throughout the years, the 6-foot, 5-inch pitcher has developed a cannon of an arm. His fastball currently registers at 96 miles per hour. During his senior season at Eustis High School this year, Brady struck out 110 batters.

Still, he is the first to admit there’s room for improvement.

“I’m still working on my secondary pitches and change-up curveball,” he said. “Also, I’m tall and lanky and want to get stronger.”

Brady, who committed to the University of Florida following his sophomore season in high school, moved to Gainesville in July and began participating in baseball drills and workouts with teammates.

“The guys on the team are really cool,” he said. “We go out to dinner together and spend time downtown.”

He hopes that team togetherness pays big dividends in the 2016 season. Last year, the Gators finished with a 52-18 record, won the Southeastern Conference Tournament, and advanced to the College World Series in Omaha. With a wealth of returning players from that team, the Gators have their sights set on wining a national championship.

“My goal is to become bigger, better, and stronger and lead UF to a national championship at the College World Series. We have a great mix of returning players and a great freshman class coming in. It is really exciting to think how good next year’s team might be. The sky is the limit.”

The possibility of playing on a national championship team certainly eases his decision to not sign with Toronto. Plus, he plans on pursuing a degree in a sports-related field such as management or nutrition.

“My mom has always said education comes first, and having a degree to fall back on is very important. Both parents have been extremely supportive about my decision and have been there for me throughout the entire process. My friends have also been very supportive. There are a lot of UF fans in Lake County, and now they’ll be able to drive up to Gainesville and watch me play.”

As for the future, Brady will enter the Major League Draft following his junior season at UF. And he already has plans once his professional playing days are finished. He will return to Lake County and help develop young baseball players.

“I think it’s important to give back to the community. I love coaching and I love being around children. That is a part of my life that I’m  looking forward to.”

Brady: Up Close and Personal

Hobbies
Fishing and golf

Favorite professional athlete
Nolan Ryan

Favorite team
Atlanta Braves

Favorite musician
Eric Church

Grade-point average
3.2

Favorite subject
Math because I love problem solving

Guilty pleasure
Eating leftover dinner at midnight

Brady’s 2015 stats at Eustis High School

Record: 8-3

Strikeouts: 110

Opponent’s batting average: .146

Innings pitched: 67

No hitters: 1

Source: MaxPreps