Eagles' Breedlove signs with Methodist

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on May 22, 2014 1:48 PM

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aetzler@newsargus.com

Brent Breedlove understands there are bigger things than his desire to play college baseball.

He remembers 21 days of discomfort from an infection after his appendix ruptured that required three separate trips to the hospital. At that point, Breedlove realized he wanted to become a doctor.

But if he attended a college class that had 300 students, he'd find it impossible to focus. He also wanted to connect with classmates and not just be known as a baseball player.

All these factors led Breedlove to sign a national letter-of-intent to play baseball at Methodist University.

"I've always wanted to be a doctor and Methodist is one of the four (Physicians Assistant) programs in the state," Breedlove said. "The opportunity to keep playing baseball was important to me, but not as important as what I want to do with my life."

The stint for his ruptured appendix helped Breedlove feel empathy for those around him in the hospital and made him want to help those people more than anything.

Breedlove has the opportunity to be a utility player for the Monarchs since he can pitch, catch and play first base. A staple in the middle of the Rosewood's order, Breedlove was hitting .271 with 12 RBI and three doubles through 19 games. He was 4-1 with a 3.09 earned run average in more than 22 innings of work on the mound.

A senior, Breedlove spent most of the season at third base, but played some at first. The team hasn't needed him behind the plate with sophomore Ethan Chapin handling the majority of the catching duties.

"Ethan's been doing a great job back there, so I've just been helping out at other spots on the field," Breedlove said.

He joins a young Monarchs team that graduates just three players and finished the season 22-16 overall. He will have to compete with returning players for a starting job at either first base or behind the plate.

As far as baseball goes, Breedlove is most excited for the atmosphere that Methodist students bring to the baseball field. With Rosewood making a deep run into the playoffs, he is experiencing what it will feel like to play in front of such fans.

"I mean you saw how many students showed up (for Tuesday night's game) I love that," Breedlove said. "Especially at Methodist they go crazy. This year has been the most fun year of my life.

"But I know college is going to be even more fun."