Introducing Brady Willis


Brady was the starting catcher for the Tiger baseball team this past season and helped the team to their first Baseball State Championship in program history. Brady has been a very important part of this team as he is involved in every single pitch that is thrown. A lot rides on his shoulders, literally in extra gear, padding, and newly added technology, to make sure that communication to the pitcher is crystal clear and that balls land where they’re supposed to be. Framing pitches, plays at the plate, gunning down a runner stealing 2nd, Brady plays a vital role in the success of this team, and, boy, is he passionate about it. This was seen all throughout the State Championship series through the team’s ups and downs. Brady helped lead the team to victory in Game 1. Game 3 came and Brady was driven. He saw the opportunity for the Tigers to make history and he wasn’t going to let anything stand in his way.


I asked Coach Glisson about Brady...


“What does Brady mean to you and to the team?”


  • He’s caught almost 90% of the innings this season. He’s a sophomore, and that’s a big, big responsibility for a sophomore back there behind the plate, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He wants to do really, really good for his teammates. At the plate, he’s been clutch for us hitting all year long. His swing kind of reminds me of Freddie Freeman as far as how long his bat stays in the zone. He’s got a good strikezone, so he can just wait on good pitches to hit. 


“In game 2, viewers could see an emotional Brady - what did the coaching staff say to him to prepare for Game 3?”


  • I think he got a little bit out of character there in game 2. We also gotta keep in mind there’s been a series or two where he’s caught 21 innings in 24 hours, and that’s a physical and mental grind, especially for a young catcher. Brady and I had a couple of heart to hearts and his intentions are extremely good, and he wants to win and wants to be a great teammate. 


“What characteristic does Brady have that makes him a valuable asset to the team?”


  • How athletic he is behind the plate. You look at him, and he’s not big as nothing, but he’s extremely athletic. Balls can bounce away from him and he can jump on them in a heartbeat. He has a knack for big moments. He loves being up there with pressure on and runners on and he thrives in that environment.