Ten years after adoption...
Sportscast: Load the Bases
Commentators: Mark and Sammy
National televised sports program
One week after MLB's First-Year Player Draft
June 11th
Mark: What a week it's been in baseball, Sammy. Coming off last week’s MLB First-Year Player Draft, we've watched an exciting week in baseball and it's still only June!
Sammy: I know, Mark. Fans around the country are still holding out hope their team will make it to the post season. There are arguably no fans out there as passionate as the bleacher creatures. Yankees fans are hoping this team can bring them another World Series win and after yesterday's no-hitter, the Yankees are showing signs they're the team to beat this season.
Mark: Absolutely. The Yankees seem to have everything going for them right now, and that's including some amazing picks last week at the draft. I know we've been talking about this all week, Sam, but I got to bring up their second pick, Brody Bryant from Gallaudet. Bryant is one of the best catchers in the game. I'm actually surprised he wasn't scooped up during the first round of picks.
Sammy: I am, too. I hate to say the lack of enthusiasm for him during the first round has to do with the fact that he's deaf, but I can't see any other reason he was looked past by every team in the MLB. I think clubhouses were afraid to pick him because it's so rare to have a deaf player in the pros. I'm glad the Yankees could see what an outstanding ballplayer Bryant is.
Mark: I don't know if it had anything to do with him being deaf. I think a lot of these teams didn't get to see Bryant play as much as the other prospects because he chose to play in college for Gallaudet instead of a division one school. If you're not playing division one it's hard to be seen and get your name out there.
Sammy: Even more reason to like this kid. He played at a school he wanted to instead of a school that would give him an easy ride to the MLB. With his stats and the way he crowds a plate, I can't wait to see how this kid does his first year for the Yankees. Baseball must run in the blood.
Mark: How did I know you were going to bring him up, Sammy?
Sammy: You can't talk Brody Bryant without talking about his father, Leviticus Bryant. A little over twenty years ago Mike and Terry were hosting this show and talking about Leviticus Bryant, the number one draft pick in the MLB. He was expected to do big things. He could have been the greatest ballplayer to ever live.
Mark: Let's not pull out hypotheticals with nothing to back it up. He was drafted by the Dodgers, but never stepped out on the field. He was forgotten about just as quickly as he left the game.
Sammy: Some people may have forgotten but those who follow the game as intensely as I do will never forget. It will be exciting to see what his son does for the Yankees now that we'll finally get to see a Bryant play. Let's hope Brody Bryant can steal a base faster than his father can.
Mike: Brody's stealing bases and hearts. It's a good thing Brody Bryant did not inherit his running from his father. We can thank the baseball Gods for that! I think now is the perfect time to let Leviticus Bryant weigh in on this, since it's his son and we have him on the phone. Hey, Leviticus. How’s it going?
Levi: Hey, fellas. You can call me Levi. Things are going great. My son is starting the career of his dreams so life can't get any better than this.
Mike: Where were you when you got the news that the Yankees drafted Brody?
Levi: My wife and I were actually with Brody in his hotel room, along with his manager and agent. It was an exciting moment.
Mike: Did it bring back any memories from when you were in that same position all those years ago? Did you have any advice for Brody?
Levi: Sure, it brought back a lot of memories. My only advice to him was to try and enjoy the moment and take it all in so he can remember as much as possible.
Sammy: What challenges do you expect him to face being the only deaf player in Major League baseball?
Levi: Guys, I can't be expected to know that. Only Brody can fully understand the challenges ahead of him but I know he'll face them all head on and surprise all those skeptics out there who think drafting him was some kind of publicity stunt by the Yankees. Brody's the real deal and fans of the game will get to see that as soon as he gets his chance to step out on that field.
Mike: How about you? How are you handling your son's success and constantly being reminded of what you could have almost had? Do you have any regrets?
Levi: I have no regrets. I'm handling my son's success like a proud father. He's known what he wanted since he was five, and he worked his ass off to get where he is today. His mother and I are so proud of him. It's as simple as that.
Sammy: How come you never went back to baseball?
Levi: It never felt right. I'm too old.
Sammy: The game could have used a pitcher like you. We wish you had found a way to come back. You should have followed your dreams.
Levi: I guess that's the thing about dreams–they change. Baseball is not my dream anymore. It hasn't been for a very long time. My dream is my life right now. I have an incredible son who has two loving parents that adore him. I have the most understanding, passionate, and loving wife. Every week I get to sit by her side as we watch our son follow his dreams. My life may not sound like a dream to some people, but for me it doesn't get any better than this.