Late in the BJCL season, BJ Raiders RHP Austin Brooks accepted a job as the Metropolitan Community College pitching coach.
He has known for the last few weeks that his playing career was coming to an end. But Brooks (Plattsburg/Metropolitan CC) made sure to go out in style.
He led the Raiders to victory in Game 1 of the Championship Series, striking out 11 Regal Plastic batters in five scoreless innings as the Raiders set the tone for a three-game sweep.
Two days later, Brooks came on in relief and struck out two in the seventh inning as the Raiders polished off a three-peat.
“I actually didn’t want to play this summer, then (BJ Raiders’ manager Jake) Bradshaw talked me back into it,” Brooks said. “I can’t thank him enough. This isn’t a bad way to go out.”
Brooks was selected as the Pat Nolan Championship Series MVP, named in memory of the long-time Raiders/Boyle’s manager. He allowed only two hits with one walk and struck out 13 in six innings across two appearances in the championship series.
He also had some extra motivation during the playoffs.
“My grandpa was in the hospital last week, so I dedicated my last two starts to him and just went out and competed,” Brooks said.
Fortunately, Brooks’ grandfather returned home, but Brooks was thrilled to make his grandpa proud.
He won MINK League titles the last two summers with the St. Joseph Mustangs, but he said the BJCL title will always be special.
“Playing this summer was by far the best I’ve ever had and I can’t be more thankful to have this opportunity,” Brooks said.
Brooks was selected as an all star and will play in the BJCL All-Star Game at 7 p.m. on Monday at Kauffman Stadium. It will be his last appearance before joining the coaching ranks.
“I’ve got Monday then my career is done,” Brooks said.
