My Brother The Slugger

It's that time of the year again. Now that my brother's sophomore season at Eastern Illinois is over, I will give you a brief recap.

Zach finished with a .353/.438/.575 line (1.013 OPS) in 53 games and 207 ABs. He hit 11 HRs, 13 doubles, drove in 47 runs, and scored 50 runs. He also swiped 12 bags in 15 attempts and reached base safely in 49 of the 53 games.

He led Eastern in just about every offensive category (average, hits, extra-base hits, HRs, doubles, total bases, RBIs, runs scored, and stolen bases). He was 2nd on the team in SLG, OBP, BBs, and HBP.

Zach accounted for 97 runs produced. The next closest total by anyone was 69 runs produced. His team's line was a pedestrian .281/.359/.384 (.743 OPS). That should speak for itself.

He also shifted to third base from right field, and while he may have been a little error-prone at times, he displayed good range and fielded the bunt well.

Moreover, his arm is very strong; you'll have to take my word for it. This was his first full season at third base. I think it's fair to say he was basically learning to play the position as he went along.

During the month of March, Zach struggled as he had never struggled before in a prolonged slump. But he eventually came out of it and turned his season around. For someone who is unaccustomed to scuffling, I believe he showed a lot of perseverance.

This summer, he'll be playing for the Morehead City Marlins in the Coastal Plain League.

It goes without saying that I'm proud of you, Zach, but I'll say it anyway. Couldn't ask for a better little brother.