Sandy Creek graduate Brent Brewer is just past the middle of his first full season with the West Virginia Power, a Class A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is the starting shortstop for the Power, which won the South Atlantic League Northern division for the first half of the season, and is playing well while adjusting to the game at the minor league level.

“I have seen an elevation in my game, in both my hitting and defense,” Brewer said. “Even when I struggle, I just keep pushing hard.

Brewer struggled a bit in the game that this reporter attended, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and committing several errors, but he rebounded after that game, getting nine hits in his next seven games, driving in two RBIs from the second spot in the lineup and stealing five bases. So far, Brewer has a .275 batting average, 94 hits, 62 runs scored, 15 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 30 RBIs and 31 stolen bases. He also has 31 errors, but it hasn’t gotten him down. The Power expect to be in the playoffs and Brewer is hoping to get some at bats with Brevard at the end of the season.

While the baseball season keeps him on the road for long periods of time, he was back in Fayette County during the minor league’s all star break, visiting with family and friends. His brother, Blake, may have a future in baseball as well, although he is still interested in several sports including basketball. Reflecting on his days at Sandy Creek, Brewer talked about playing with Calvin Johnson in both football and baseball.

“He just taught me a lot about playing the game hard,” Brewer said. The two are still close friends, but haven’t talked in a few weeks as both have been rather busy this summer.

It is obvious to any casual observer that Brewer and his teammates love the game and are enjoing the season. If you’d like to catch the Power and can’t make it to West Virginia this summer, they will be playing on the road at the Columbus Catfish, July 30-Aug. 2 and the Rome Braves, Aug. 3-6.

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