Under the bright lights of the baseball field, Brandon Marris has found more than just a game—he’s found a challenge that pushes him to be better every day. “I was inspired to play baseball because it was another task to accomplish as I worked my way up in sports,” Marris said. Now a junior at Clayton High School, he embraces his role as a leader on the team, working hard to improve his skills and support his teammates.
Marris didn’t grow up playing baseball like many of his teammates. He attended a small K-8 school before transferring to Clayton, and his first real experience with the game came in seventh grade when he joined a travel ball team. “At first, I didn’t like playing, but after a year or so, I decided that I could work my way to be good at all sports I played, so it motivated me to play more and more,” he said.
As a key player for Clayton, Marris values the bond he has built with his teammates. “I think the team’s chemistry this season has been great. Everyone has their days, but we all have a strong bond with each other that no other sport could bring together,” he said. As a team captain, he understands the importance of staying composed. “My role on the team is to be there for the team when I go out on the field to my position at centerfield. I prepare by practicing calming down when things get rough and playing through it for my team.”
Marris has faced challenges along the way, including the loss of upperclassmen who had helped guide him. “Losing all the upperclassmen who taught and helped me be better in my journey was tough, but I overcame it by realizing that it happens and making moments last while they are still there,” he said.
Looking ahead, Marris isn’t sure if baseball will be in his future. “I don’t really see myself playing sports due to other opportunities I would like to do outside of sports,” he said. But for now, he’s focused on making this season one to remember. “I want to overcome any troubles we have on and off the field as a team and give our seniors a great season to look back on.”
