Brown brings talent and positivity in return to NEFL

Jacob Marrocco
Posted 6/25/15

Hendricken second baseman Elijah Brown had already moved teams once this year, but he wasn’t poised to do it again.

Brown is coming off the heels of a state championship after the Hawks defeated …

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Brown brings talent and positivity in return to NEFL

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Hendricken second baseman Elijah Brown had already moved teams once this year, but he wasn’t poised to do it again.

Brown is coming off the heels of a state championship after the Hawks defeated Cumberland at McCoy last week, but it wasn’t an easy start to the season. After leaving Moses Brown for Hendricken, Brown was forced to sit out half the year for transferring.

“It was tough because I did it for basketball so I was kind of used to the wait, but I don’t like basketball as much as I love baseball,” Brown said. “It was just a little tough to watch my team go out there and play the game that I love. I definitely wanted to be a part of it, but, you know, everything comes to an end. My time came, and I was ready to give back to my team.”

Brown is also entering his second stint with the New England Frozen Lemonade – Shields Post 43 legion team. The Moses Brown transfer opted for NEFL over the predominantly Hendricken legion team Senerchia because he said he formed a bond with the players and coaches last season that would be difficult to break.

“I just wanted to stay here,” Brown said. “Too many switches, you know what I mean? I just felt a connection to the NEFL community and I just wanted to stay here and stick around these people.”

While he didn’t move out of his position at second base all season for the Hawks, he looks to mix things up with NEFL this year in a couple of ways. Instead of batting eighth, he will see opportunities to bat higher in the lineup including in the leadoff spot.

The Warwick native struggled at the plate in the postseason, but his speed was always something to watch. He was able to reach on bunt singles on a few occasions, and drew a few throws over from the pitcher once on base.

He plays the field well, too, and his long frame allows him to range far in both directions. Brown can also hold his own in the outfield, which he will have to do often for NEFL.

“I have this philosophy where if one aspect of my game isn’t there, I try to solidify or give 100 percent on the other side,” Brown said. “I wasn’t hitting the ball that well, but I definitely wanted to be a defensive wall for my team.”

His impact with NEFL is already being felt. In a game against West Warwick Post Two that was delayed by rain after one full inning on Tuesday, Brown scored the contest’s first run. He exhibited patience in drawing a leadoff walk, and moved to second on second baseman Tyler Perry’s hit-by-pitch. With two outs and the count full, he was off with the pitch and scored easily on Dan Greaves’ RBI single to right-centerfield.

Before the game, Brown said his offensive play in the top half of the order can be one of his biggest assets to NEFL.

“I’m looked upon by my teammates as more of an offensive contributor,” Brown said. “So definitely [important] for me to stay keyed in while I’m at the plate and try to just hit the ball hard.”

His confidence isn’t lacking either. Brown is looking to stay on a championship streak with the Warwick-based squad, and he isn’t shy about his predictions for the summer season.

“We’re going all the way,” Brown said with a smile.

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