Follow the leader
Passionate Brogan tempers game as Airedales chase 5A-West playoff spot
By Kevin Taylor
Alma Schools
ALMA - The most challenging part of baseball is often the reflection you see in the mirror.
Branson Brogan learned this the hard way.
“I think it’s just that the game is so mentally challenging,” Brogan explained. “You can be an outstanding player, but if something doesn’t go your way it can turn you off and you can lose confidence. Then you look up and you’re 0-for-15 and it starts messing with you.
“But once you get over that hump and enjoy the game and not worry about the numbers it’s fun and relaxing.”
Two years ago, as Brogan was finding his way on the diamond, mostly as a second baseman, the Airedales themselves were just coming out of a porous two-year struggle.
Two years later, Alma’s starting shortstop took 2022 graduating senior Logan Taylor’s words to heart.
“I looked up to Logan Taylor,” Brogan said. “He always had a good attitude about everything and he was so laid back. I was so serious, which doesn’t mean LT wasn’t, but I was way too serious. I wasn’t relaxing and enjoying the game. With baseball, you don’t have to have a crazy mentality … you don’t have to go out there like you’re going to kill somebody.
“You just have to enjoy it because if you take it too seriously and stress out, you will have a tough time.”
“Branson used to be that player who would ‘beat himself up,’ (but) having senior leadership such as Logan helped him have the mindset of the only thing that matters is the next pitch,” Alma coach Brian Fry said. “I think the older a player gets, the more they realize how humbling this game can be, and it starts being more of a mental game than a physical one.”
Through 12 games, which produced six wins and six losses, Fry juggled his lineup before moving Brogan into the No. 3 slot in the batting order.
Branson Brogan
Last season, in addition to being a middle infielder, Brogan added another notch to his game by becoming a valuable member of the team’s bullpen.
“I’ve always loved pitching,” Brogan said. “I know I’m not the best at it; I wasn’t blessed with a super strong arm. I love competing; I love being the guy that’s there to control the game. Whether it’s a win or a loss, I’m going to take responsibility for it.”
“Branson is one of those players that leads by example, both on and off the field,” Fry said. “He has such a passion for the game and is so much of a competitor that the others have no choice but to follow him.”
Brogan and the Airedales took a positive step in the right direction last season and with a strong junior class, are looking to make up more ground this season.
“I’m just glad to be part of the changing culture,” Brogan said. “I just want to be a leader for these younger guys.”
With 10 conference games remaining, the Airedales have split their first two league games, beating Harrison 4-2 in the nightcap of their opener, then dropping a heart-wrenching 4-3 decision to struggling Siloam Springs this week.
Hopefully, we take a big step this year; make it to the playoffs, and make a run. But really, I want to set them up for next year. It’s not that I don’t believe we can do it this year, but we have such good (young) talent. I know this senior class isn’t amazing; it’s just me and Colby (Kimmons).
“I want to lead them to where they need to be and hopefully take a big step this year.”
Brogan wasn’t unlike other players growing up who juggled multiple sports. But there is something about baseball that always tugged on his heart.
“I always looked forward to baseball,” Brogan said. “I looked forward to other sports, too. But baseball was always my favorite. I always looked forward to going to the travel ball tournaments. My dad was a little tough on me at times, but looking back on it I just know that he cared about me.”