Brannon signs with Red Sox

By MIKE DUPREZ

The Hub

RANDLEMAN – Like father, like son.

Randleman star Brooks Brannon capped off his record-setting senior season by signing with the Boston Red Sox.

The recently graduated catcher, who had signed to play college baseball at North Carolina, was drafted in the ninth round by the Red Sox. His selection was well-received by the Boston media. 

There was a decision that had to be made and it was quick. Brannon signed and is about to embark on a professional career.

“It’s been a dream ever since I was 2 years old,” Brannon said. “I wanted to go ahead and capitalize on it.”

Brannon hit .609 while leading the country with 20 home runs and 91 RBIs. The home run total tied the North Carolina record set by his father, Paul Brannon, in 1989 with Kings Mountain. Brannon’s RBI total is a new state record and by a bunch. The former record was 62.

Paul Brannon was also drafted, in 1990, by the Seattle Mariners. A catcher like his son, Paul Brannon spent four seasons in the Mariners’ system.

The huge season for Brooks Brannon coincided with the Tigers’ dominant run to a second consecutive 2-A state championship. Brannon was named MaxPreps Small Town National Player of the Year.

Brannon will likely begin his pro career for the Rookie League FCL Red Sox, who play in Fort Myers, Florida.