TAMPA, Fla. – Corey Braun is interested in the dynamics of the stock market. Of late, he would be advised to shield his eyes from the carnage on Wall Street. However, make no mistake about this: Braun’s stock is surging.
Want proof? The lefty out of Seminole is one of 56 nationally, and among only five in the state of Florida, to be named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame National Pitcher of the Year watchlist. The award has been won by the likes of Paul Skenes, Aaron Nola, Jon Gray and Stephen Strasburg.
“That is awesome,” said Braun, who is 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA for the Bulls. “I would never thought that would have happened to me (at USF). I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity that they have given me and being able to work for it.”
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Braun, who in a couple of weeks will receive his bachelor’s in general studies, did not feel such recognition would come his way at USF simply because it has been a winding road to get to the point in his collegiate career. Furthermore, he did not take the mound in a single game a year ago.
Braun began his career in 2022 at Charleston Southern and was a key member of the bullpen with 19 of his 20 appearances having come in relief. Not that leaving the Sunshine State for the Palmetto State was his primary choice, though it was his best opportunity.
“That was the only Division-I offer I had, so I took it,” he said, noting he could have remained in state and pitched for Division-II Flagler College in St. Augustine. “I got a lot of (appearances) as a freshman, which was awesome. I loved the coaches. They were great, but I felt that I wanted to get closer to home.”
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So he did. Braun transferred to Santa Fe College, a JUCO in Gainesville. It was an experience he also valued for what he learned from coach Johnny Wiggs. He went 7-1 with a 3.78 ERA and attracted the attention of big-time programs, including 2022 national champ Ole Miss. Braun was on the move again and spent last season with the Rebels. However, as it turned out, a well-stocked SEC pitching staff provided little opportunity. It was back to the portal.
Braun not only returned to Florida, but committed to USF shortly after coach Mitch Hannahs arrived from Indiana State to take over the Bulls. It was quite a moment for him, and a decision that has provided a priceless experience.
“All of my friends and family always wanted me to come here,” said Bruan, who has long enjoyed watching the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw. “It was a cool thing when I committed.”
It is pretty cool what has since taken place.
“The culture here is great, my teammates are awesome and the whole environment here at USF is awesome,” he said.
Braun’s performance has been awesome as well. One of many highlights to this point was a complete game shutout March 28 against visiting American Athletic Conference rival Tulane. In fact, his ERA against conference foes is 1.47. He credits such success in large part to adding a changeup and cutter to his four-seamer and curve.
In the larger picture, Braun’s and the Bulls’ success (22-15/10-5 AAC) is the byproduct of a culture that has taken over the club like a breath of fresh air.
“He is big into making us play to the best of our ability at all times,” said Braun, in referring to Hannahs. “We are never comfortable out here, which makes us strive to be better as players and people. He is great in making us, in general, better men.”
Mere weeks from receiving his degree and performing as well on the mound as he has, it is safe to say Braun has more than lived up to his coach’s standard.
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