An All-Star’s All-Star

Steve Virgen

When Tyler Brady catches and throws, he reveals part of what makes

him an All-Star.

The Newport Beach Little League All-Star first baseman was born with

about half of his left arm.

In one fluid motion, the 12-year-old catches the ball with his right

glove and then quickly takes it off, cupping it on the left arm. His

right hand takes the ball from his glove and he’s able to make the throw.

The advice he gives to other first basemen is the same he displays.

“Don’t be afraid to block the ball with your body,” Brady said. “Go

after every ball you can.”

One of the best defensive players in the NBLL, Brady also excels in

hockey, football and volleyball. But baseball is his favorite and playing

first base is his delight.

“I get more action,” Brady said. And that’s exactly what he wants.

Throughout this season, he has received plenty of action. His

sensational catch in the fifth inning as a center fielder against the

Diamondbacks helped his Cardinals reach the championship game with the

best record in the Majors Division.

“(The Diamondbacks’ batter) hit a fly ball deep to left center,” Brady

described. “I just ran, threw my hand out there and grabbed it. And I ran

into the fence. I thought he hit it out of the park.”

Making big plays has become customary for Brady. Last year, he turned

heads in Tulsa, Okla. where he mostly pitched for his team. He also

slammed a home run in the league championship game.

Brady was born in Orange County and raised in Tulsa after his family

moved when his dad, Steve, had to relocate the family because of his job

as a graphic designer.

When the Bradys moved back last year -- they now live on Balboa Island

-- Tyler and his 8-year-old brother, Brooks, were enrolled in St. Joachim

Elementary in Costa Mesa and they both made friends quickly.

Tyler played receiver, cornerback and defensive end for his flag

football team and helped his team finish with a 14-0 record.

“I don’t think they miss Tulsa much,” Jennifer Brady said of her sons.

Just last month, Tyler, the new kid at school, won an election and

will serve as the Athletic Commissioner next year. He will attend

athletic contests and report the scores to school officials. He’s also in

charge of checking out and getting back sports equipment.

When Tyler read his pre-election speech to his classmates, he

strategically wore his Cardinals uniform to show his love for the game

and athletics.

He seems to have an original charm and gentle etiquette that has made

him popular in the Newport Beach Little League. After the Cardinals lost

to the Yankees in the Majors title game, he was awarded the Best

Sportsmanship Award, an honor determined by the coaches’ vote.

He received a plaque which read, “In recognition for always: Being a

team player. Setting a good example. Trying hard and adhering to the

principles of fair play and good sportsmanship.”

“He’s just phenomenal,” Cardinals Manager Chris Telles said.

Said Brady’s father: “I’m just really proud of him. Not because of

what he does with what he’s lacking, but it’s because of how well he does

... It’s just fun to watch him.”

The fun continued against the Rancho Niguel Braves in the Majors

District 55 Tournament of Champions.

The Cardinals lost, 5-2, yet Tyler was able to make some spectacular

plays.

He began the game recording the first out when he stretched and

scooped the ball on a throw from the shortstop, William O’Brien.

There were four other outs at first base and Tyler did another one of

his signature stretch catches in the second inning.

Through four innings, he was helping pitcher Sam Stafford to a perfect

game until the Braves broke it up with a flurry of hits and runs.

After the Braves went up, 4-1, it could have gotten worse. With

runners on the corners, Cardinals’ catcher Ryan Telles threw to first

after a pitch. Tyler left his feet and extended his right glove to make

the error-saving catch.

Stafford and Tyler ended the inning when Stafford snagged a ball from

a bunt and made the throw to first.

At the plate, he had one hit and reached base twice.

“It’s been such a great season,” Jennifer Brady said. “That catch in

center field was pretty memorable and so were all those scoops at first.

He also had two triples this year.

“There isn’t anything he hasn’t been able to do.”