He’s the unofficial “official” team captain.
Chipola (Fla.) College decided not to select a captain before the season, but for anyone who watches an Indians’ game sees that designated hitter Brandon Street is the team leader.
“Brandon is the best teammate I’ve ever had,” Chipola pitcher Brian Hobbs said. “He was going to be our captain but the team decided that we didn’t want just one person to represent us.”
Street has been a big reason for the team’s success in the tournament not only with his play on the field, hitting .444, but also with his enthusiasm and leadership in the dugout.
“They’ve been calling upon me all year for the leadership role,” Street said. “Coach (Jeff) Johnson handed this team over to me early in the year and I’m trying to get this team fired up.”
The Columbus, Ga., native is in his second year in the Chipola program and leads the team before every game in a pregame routine that involves the Indians arranging themselves in a circle, with Street and another player squaring off and throwing air punches towards each other.
Street said it helps the team to get fired up for the game.
“That’s the ‘Ric Flair,’ ” Street said. “I started that in the beginning of conference season and we’ve been on a roll ever since, so we are not stopping now.”
As with many players at the Alpine Bank Junior College World Series, Street has been leaving all he has on the field.
In the Indians’ 14-12 victory over Spartanburg Methodist on Monday night, Street injured his knee sliding into second base on his first at-bat of the night.
He cut his leg on the shortstop’s cleats but stayed in the game. In the sixth inning, Street was attempting to bunt and the ball hit his finger.
Street doesn’t let the bumps and bruises affect his good nature.
“My knee is a little heavy but it felt much better after a win,” Street said. “This is something you have a chance to be around once in your life. I want to be here every minute.”
Street has attended most of the other JUCO games, trying to soak in the atmosphere as much as he can he can.
“I just love being around the field and around the game,” Street said.
Chipola’s emotional leader will continue his baseball career at Southeastern Louisiana University earning a full scholarship to play for the Lions.
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Patrick Bahr can be reached via e-mail at sports@gjds.com.
