If you've been out to Reese Smith Field this year to see Middle Tennessee State's Blue Raiders then you probably already know the name Bryce Brentz, but if you haven't then you may have missed out on one of the best college baseball players in the country.
The sophomore has quietly put together one of the greatest college seasons ever. I know your probably wondering how can one of the greatest college seasons ever be quiet. And the truth is I've asked myself the same question several times and haven't come up with an answer yet.
If you're at all familiar with any of the national awards or watch lists that look to honor the nation's top collegiate players including, the Dick Howser award and Golden Spikes award, you will realize Bryce's name has yet to crack the lists. The fact that Bryce's name doesn't appear on these lists is very unfortunate considering he leads the nation in four offensive categories including batting avg, homeruns, slugging percentage and total bases. Bryce's stat line at this point reads 482 avg 28 hrs and 27 strikeouts with a slugging percentage over 1000%. The fact of the matter is Bryce's stat line is something of folklore.
"The stats are real," Middle Tennessee coach Steve Peterson said. "He's had a tremendous year and he's still getting better. He's the best power hitter I've ever coached". The amount of backspin he generates is unreal. He's just had offensively, a consensus All-American season.
Brentz set six single-season Blue Raider records including batting average, hits, runs, home runs, total bases and slugging percentage on his way to being named Sun Belt Player of the Year this past week
The secret is officially out and Bryce will have a hard time sneaking past anyone after this season. Just ask Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin, "I think he's one of the best hitters we've faced, he's just a different type of player."
Corbin, the 2006 head coach for The USA National Team which took home a gold medal for its efforts, took it upon himself to call the people over at USA baseball and give Bryce a personal endorsement. Bryce has been invited to the USA trials for a shot at a roster spot on team USA. Corbin states, "I called and told them (USA Baseball) he's the best hitter we've seen... I think he just hits everything."
In two regular season contest against Vanderbilt Bryce went 7-9 with eight RBIs, four runs scored and three home runs. And it's not as if Bryce just began his assault on college pitching this year, as a freshman Bryce slugged 18 Homeruns on his way to becoming a freshman All American.
Bryce looks destined to be a 1st team All American selection and a lock for a spot on Team USA but why he has yet to crack the lists for the Dick Howser and Golden Spikes Awards is beyond me. So I decided to take it upon my self to speak out and validate his ability "he's an unbelievable talent and a fun player to watch so if you ever have the opportunity to see him play you better take advantage of it and buy a ticket, he is definitely worth the price of admission. " If you know Bryce like I do, you know a hardnosed kid with a blue collar work ethic and a come out of your shoes/ don't get cheated hitting approach. Bryce knows one way to play ball and that is hard he leaves it all out on the field.
When talking to Bryce it seems he just takes it all in stride as the he states the accolades are nice but he's more concerned with winning baseball games. This week the Blue Raiders start on the quest for a conference tournament championship in Troy, Alabama. After winning the regular season conference championship with a 38-15 overall record and 21-8 in conference play, the Blue Raiders have guaranteed themselves a spot in a NCAA regional. Hopefully Bryce's opportunity to perform on a larger stage (NCAA Regional) will bring him the recognition and notoriety he truly deserves as he is the best offensive player in the nation.
