Brasier pitches his way to a pair of World Series titles

Ryan Brasier makes his living as a major league pitcher. His arm has led him to two World Series titles and many other accomplishments. But when he came to Weatherford College in 2006, he was known primarily as a catcher, not a pitcher. 

"I went all through high school catching, pitched a few times, and when I came to Weatherford I caught all fall, and only threw a few innings," the Wichita Falls native said.  

Jeff Lightfoot, WC's athletic director and former head baseball coach, said the talented freshman was being noticed for something other than his ability to catch. 

"He obviously had a cannon for an arm," Lightfoot said. "So we started using him as both a starter and a reliever." 

Suddenly, the more he pitched, the more attention he garnered from NCAA and professional scouts. 

"A bunch of scouts were pretty much telling me that I needed to put down my catcher's gear and pick up a pitcher's glove because that was probably the easiest way that I was going to get drafted," said Brasier. "So I pitched." 

That switch paid off in a big way, as he was drafted in the sixth round (out of 50) by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2007. For six years, he worked his way up the minor leagues, reaching Triple-A and waiting for his chance—which came in 2013. 

"I think we were on the road in Albuquerque," Brasier said about the night he was called up to the big leagues for the first time. "We had a game the night before and I didn't even hear about it (getting called up) until about two o'clock in the morning, so the first day was kind of a blur. I didn't pitch the first day, I just kind of sat in the bullpen and took it all in. The next day, we played at home and I got my first real (major league) appearance." 

Fast-forward to 2018, when he was picked up by the Boston Red Sox. Attending a game at Boston's historic Fenway Park is on most sports fans' bucket lists, but suiting up to play in Fenway in front of the loudest fans in baseball is on another level altogether. 

"The first time you're walking out, you see the Green Monster (Fenway's iconic 37-foot-tall left field wall)," he said. "They sell out almost every single game. It was unreal." 

He thrived in Boston, finishing that first season with a 1.60 ERA in 34 appearances out of the bullpen, earning the Lou Gorman Award for demonstrating dedication and perseverance while working his way to the majors. Best of all, he made the postseason roster, making nine playoff appearances and helping the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series title.  

Brasier stayed in Boston until 2023, when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After an early playoff exit in 2023, the stacked Dodgers won it all in 2024, giving the former Coyote another World Series championship, beating the New York Yankees four games to one and clinching the series in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium. Brasier was an even larger factor in his team's success this time around, pitching successfully in each playoff round.  

"You play for so long to have an opportunity, and then a few years later to get the opportunity again, and be fortunate enough to win it again, I definitely didn't have that in the cards when I was in Weatherford." 

But it hasn't always been easy. Years in the minor leagues, season-ending Tommy John surgery on his elbow, playing a year in Japan and getting hit in the face with a line drive in 2021 have provided more than enough adversity. 

"Ryan has always had a blue collar work ethic, that Texas toughness and is a heck of a competitor," Lightfoot said. "He has shown that on the field and when he has had to overcome injuries and setbacks. Ryan is a champion on and off the field and that's who I want my guys to strive to be every day."  

Speaking of the Coyotes, Brasier stays connected with his alma mater, something Lightfoot enjoys. 

"I got to watch Ryan play in high school, talked to him throughout the recruiting process and now follow his professional career. That's what it's all about," Lightfoot said. "It makes it extra special when a guy stays in contact with me and stays involved with WC. Ryan always answers when I reach out and has come back to see us from time to time. Ryan has always stayed true to his roots." 

Brasier says his experience at WC helped him develop as a player and a person. 

"It was awesome. I made friends I still talk to today. I still text back and forth with Coach Lightfoot. I really enjoyed my time in Weatherford.  

"You get put in a spot where you have to grow up in a short time. Being at Weatherford taught me a lot about being on my own and how to go about things on my own." 

Now 37 years old, he'll have to acclimate to new surroundings once again. The Dodgers traded Brasier to the Chicago Cubs in February of this year.  His extensive playoff experience, 3.85 career ERA and overall veteran presence are said to be what the Cubs' front office wanted for their bullpen. 

This season, he'll get to take in his first home game at another iconic stadium—Wrigley Field in Chicago. And Coyote fans will be there in spirit, cheering him on for possibly another chance at a title.