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| Aaron Brown, image- Jay Floyd |
Aaron Brown was released last Friday after nearly six years in the Phillies organization.
Brown, the Phils' 3rd round draft selection in 2014 out of Pepperdine, was primarily an outfielder after turning pro. A two-way player in college, Brown switched to pitching in 2017 after struggling on offense (.224/.313/.360) at the Double-A level.
A dominant hurler in college, Brown posted a 13-1 record along with a 1.95 ERA in 17 starts in 2014.
A solid performer on the minor league mound as well, the California native notched a 5-4 record with a pair of saves, a 3.82 ERA along with an 11.0 K/9 mark in 45 relief appearances for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils last season.
With free agency on the horizon for Brown in September and the 2020 minor league season likely not taking place due to the global pandemic, the Phillies included Brown when they decided to cut more than two dozen players prior to next week's MLB amateur draft.
Despite having his career derailed for now, Brown, who always keeps a positive mindset, is focused on continuing to prosper on the diamond.
"Being released is never a thrilling experience for any player," Brown shared. "However, I know that when one door closes another door opens.
"I now have a lot of options and I will play this year, whether it is here in the States or overseas. The other thing I know is that wherever I do play I know I’ll be ready to go there and perform."
The main reason Brown is confident he'll be ready at any given point is because he's working hard to keep himself prepared for game action. In doing so, he's putting together videos and posting them online to help other athletes and baseball players increase their knowledge. He wants to help other players be better prepared and has established a YouTube channel known as Athlete Life.
"The YouTube channel I created is for one purpose and one purpose only," Brown explained of his video endeavor. "It is to bring information to young players around the world who share the same dream as I do…to play in the show! I want to help them learn about what to expect once they reach that next level.
"The future of baseball depends on the future talent. It is my hope to help that future talent be better equipped once their time comes."
Brown had long desired to create his own YouTube channel. He scratched that creative itch and is now writing, recording, editing and producing his own content, giving other athletes insight on working harder, working smarter and taking practice seriously.
Published videos on Brown's channel have featured other professional pitchers, including Angel Rodriguez (former Rays) and Jonny Deluca (Dodgers).
His release last Friday struck Brown by surprise, though he understands baseball is a business and gets that those decisions happen.
Expressing his appreciation and fondness of his experiences and his journey in the Phillies system, Brown wishes everyone the best and holds absolutely zero hard feelings.
"The Phillies are an amazing organization and they go about their business the right way. It would be an honor to reunite with the Phillies and play for them down the road if given the chance. I have become so close with so many of their players, staff, managers and scouts. It’s like a big family there," Brown stated.
Checking out his channel can certainly benefit players and give fans more insight into the preparation side of the game and I don't think it's farfetched to think it's possible we'll see some of Brown's Phillies family members popping up on there with him in the future.
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