Steve Bralver is one of two Dynasty clients currently playing in non-MLB-affiliated professional baseball (the other one being Brendan Murphy). Bralver is one of those guys who has impeccable character and has absolutely no problem making someone laugh. He is also a phenomenal baseball player, who was unfortunately overlooked in this past year’s MLB Amateur Draft. A big reason for that was the fact that he played at a Division III school (Emory University). While Emory is known for pushing out very knowledgable graduates, it is not highly regarded for its baseball program. That said, Bralver still made the most of his time at Emory University. In 2007, Bralver led Emory University to the Division III World Series where he was named to the World Series All-Tournament Team, and in 2009, he was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) MVP after hitting .375 with 7 HR’s and 61 RBI’s in only 42 games.
Some agencies might look at those achievements and still say that a guy like Steve Bralver is not worth their time, but we saw somebody who has a lot of potential on and off the field, and someone we really wanted to bring into our family.
As mentioned, Bralver went undrafted after graduating from school. After a lot of tryouts with various Independent professional teams (you can read more about that journey on Bralver’s blog at Seamheads.com), Bralver found out that no Frontier League teams had a spot for him on their roster.
Eventually, the Calgary Vipers of the Arizona Winter League came calling. They needed a first baseman, and they liked Steve Bralver. With not many options on the table and nothing to lose, Bralver accepted their offer and became determined to prove his value on the field.
Seventeen different Major League organizations sent scouts to watch the players in this year’s Arizona Winter League. Steve Bralver got the exposure he needed. Additionally, 55 free agents, including Steve Bralver, received contract offers from professional teams after a draft was held by the Arizona Winter League. Bralver received an offer from the Chico Outlaws of the Golden Baseball League.
On Saturday, the draft was behind Steve Bralver, but he still was looking forward to that night’s Arizona Winter League Championship Game between his Calgary Vipers and the San Luis Athleticos. Bralver ended up going 4-for-4 with a home run (2-run home run in the 1st inning) and three RBI. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. From unwanted to MVP. But still the same amazing character.
“It’s been so much fun,” Bralver said. “We had fans out rooting for our team that we didn’t know, but they came out and rooted for us every single day. To win this for them, to celebrate with champagne and the whole number, the rings, the dog pile, we loved it all.”
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2 replies on “Steve Bralver: From Unwanted To MVP”
Really cool story. Is it very common for independant league players to make it to the minors? I know this happened with parise but i wasnt sure how common it is. Seems like both of your independant league guys have been putting up good numbers (i checked murphys numbers the past 2 years he has big power.) Is it likely guys like this will be able to work their way back into the minors and then MLB, or are they most likely stuck in the indy leagues? Thanks.
It all depends on the scouts who are watching the games and the needs of their teams. There are many players who got their start in an Independent League before having a successful MLB career. I can’t predict whether Brendan or Steve will make it to the minors and then to the majors, but I will do everything in my power to give them the best shot to succeed.