“To me, Brody could be the player of the state as a pitcher or as a hitter,” Skyview coach Seth Johnson said. “And he does both. He’s the heart and soul of the team. He got all the big hits. He was on the mound in the big games.”
For his accomplishments, Barnum is The Columbian’s All-Region baseball player of the year.
Barnum’s stats are eye-catching. But it’s his leadership that makes his importance go beyond the numbers. A quarterback on the Skyview football team that reached the state semifinals, Barnum had similar role on the baseball team.
“Yes, our coach is there telling us to do specific things. But there are always going to be those moments when it’s just us guys,” Barnum said. “You’ve got to have someone who says ‘hey, let’s get going and do it perfect this time. Let’s do one more rep.’ I always tried to be that guy.”
Barnum had plenty of important hits. He also shut down a few opponents’ rallies with big strikeouts.
Which is a bigger thrill?
“They’re both exciting, but I’ve got to go with a big hit,” he said. “You’re standing on second or third, you look back in the dugout, see your guys and feel that energy. But it’s the same thing with pitching. You get a strikeout and you’re pumped.”
Barnum will have a chance to experience both thrills at Washington State, where he has signed. He said the Cougars have talked about him being both a pitcher and hitter.
It’s just another chance to make more memories, ones that will join a once-in-a-lifetime senior season.
“Baseball is my life,” Barnum said. “I love every minute of it. I love everything about it. I’m blessed with the opportunity to play at the next level. I hope I can continue as long as I can.”
