Brady Murrietta is no stranger to big moments. The Yorba Linda, California native is coming off of a gold medal at the 2022 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup in which he batted .353 with a home run, four RBIs, and six hits in eight games.
He is now hoping to lead Canes National to the same fate at the 2023 National Team Championships at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. After producing a double in both the quarterfinals and semifinals that plated the game winning runs, Murrietta now has his sights set on more gold.
With his team down 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth of the quarterfinals against MBA Scout Team on Saturday, Murrietta stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and ripped a double into left field that scored all three runners and gave Canes National the late 5-3 lead. MBA plated one run in the seventh, but Canes National held on to advance to the next round with a 5-4 victory.
Murrietta found himself in a similar situation in the semifinal round against PRD. After falling behind 1-0 early, Canes tied the game in the third before Murrietta crushed his second three-run double of the day to put his squad up 4-1. Canes went on to win the game 9-1 to claim a spot in the gold medal game.
The Canes star finished the day 2-for-5 with two doubles, a walk, and eight RBIs in two games. Following his impressive performance, Murrietta caught up with USA Baseball to discuss his clutch performances, his experience at the World Cup, and what it’s like returning to the National Training Complex.
Q: You recorded doubles in back-to-back games that scored the eventual game-winning run for your team. What is your thought process when stepping up to the plate in those big moments?
A: I came up with the bases loaded earlier in the game and it didn’t come out the way I wanted. I just wanted to help my team out in that situation. You can’t think too much when you come up in those spots. You just have to trust your process and what you’ve been doing.
Q: You won gold with the 2022 15U National Team in Mexico last year. What things did you take away from that experience that have helped you grow as a player?
A: Honestly, it was just pushing through everything. It was a grind. We were in Arizona for 15 days and then Mexico for 14 days. It was really just about processing how you handle yourself through all of that. I definitely learned a lot about my body and what I have to do to take care of myself when you go through those long trips. The biggest lesson it taught me was how to push through the hard times and move on to the next day.
Q: What was your initial reaction when you found out that you would be a member of Team USA?
A: Honestly, I started crying just like a lot of other guys. It's a surreal feeling when your name is called to walk out of that room. You can’t really put into words how you feel. There’s no other feeling like it when you get to represent your country.
Q: How does it feel to get your ring from the gold medal win?
A: It was awesome. The rings are sweet. Coach Briese designed them really well. It just shows how hard we worked throughout all of it and it shows that it paid off to all our teammates and coaches.
Q: You have played at the National Training Complex at various tournaments and events. What does it feel like to be able to come back to a place you are familiar with and compete with your team?
A: Yeah, I mean, every time I come here, it just gets newer and newer. It feels like home almost every time I come here. The environment USA Baseball creates, the teams that they bring here, honestly everything just comes together and it feels like you’re at home when you’re out here. I feel like it becomes a new generation every time you come here.
Q: The 15U National Team Championships is a chance for each athlete to showcase their skills for a chance to represent their country. How do you make sure you go about achieving your own personal goals while also being a good teammate and trying to win the tournament?
A: I feel like USA Baseball is big on being a good teammate. When you go through these games, you have to do as much as you can with and without your teammates to achieve what you all want. At the end of the day, that’s what they look for. Did you help the team win? Did you do everything you can for yourself and for the team? You just have to be the best person and player you can be while also managing your emotions.
Q: You are a proven offensive threat on the field. How do you make sure that your defensive game is as dialed in as your bat?
A: For me, you can look at catching two ways. You can be an offensive catcher or a defensive catcher that hits sometimes too. I like to look at myself as a defensive catcher. Catching is the most important part of my game. I always try to prioritize my preparation and other stuff that goes into it when I’m on the field. I feel like when it comes to hitting, there’s a time for it but you can’t focus on it when you’re catching. For me, that’s the biggest part. You just have to go catch. That’s why you’re on the field.
Q: Who are some of your biggest role models or inspirations that have helped you throughout your career?
A: Definitely my dad. My dad is a big part of my baseball growth. He’s always been the one that has pushed me and told me that if I really want it, I can do the things I want to do in this game. He’s the one who will always have my back when times are good and times are bad.
