Holt Making the Most of First Professional Season

September 4, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Drafted in the supplemental round of the 2008 draft this season, Brooklyn Cyclones starting pitcher Brad Holt had some monstrous expectations to live up to. Going 5-3 with a minuscule 1.87 ERA and a team record 96 strikeouts in 72.1 innings this season, it’s fair to say he’s not only slain the expectations dragon, he’s made him a fan as well.

Playing a pivotal part in the Cyclones playoff run over the past few weeks, the coaching staff sees a bright future in front of the 21-year-old.

Sporting southern good-looks, a trademark smile and a vicious fastball that has reached 98 miles-per-hour on occasion this season, Holt seems to be tailor-made for a life in baseball in New York City.

“This kid is a warrior,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo. “Whenever he’s on the mound, he gives me a lot of confidence because he just brings so much to the table. He has a great fastball, breaking ball and changeup and he wants to pitch nine innings every time he goes out there. He knows we have him on a pitch count and he still wants to go out there and pitch as much as he can. Guys like that are very rare today.”

What is even rarer however is the attitude Holt has on the field and in the clubhouse. Like a magician, Holt can go from a tough as nails competitor on the mound one second to a fun-loving teammate, without missing a beat.

The end result is a player that has the polish, determination and mindset of a future major leaguer.

“I don’t know how he does it,” said former Cyclones third baseman Zach Lutz via phone from Port St. Lucie Florida. “He understands the game and works very hard, but he loves to have a good time in the dugout. Because of that, he’s a great guy to play with.”

Things didn’t originally start Holt’s way this season though, as a bevy of walks surrendered through his fist handful of starts had many scouts worried about his control. Over his last six starts however, Holt has 12 walks over 34.2 innings pitched, a vast improvement over the 21 walks he gave up over his first eight starts of the season.

Despite those momentary bumps in the road this summer, Holt has always maintained an air of confidence and hasn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face.

“Baseball is all about winning, but there’s no reason why you can’t have fun too,” Holt, who has been accused of putting bubble gum on several of his teammates’ hats this season, said, with a smirk. “I like to keep things light. I like having a good time. I’ve been this way since High School.”

Obviously impressed with Holt’s resiliency and attitude on the mound this season, Cyclones pitching coach Hector Berrios likes other things about his game and has been pleased with his development.

“The thing I like about him is the extension he gets on his fastball and other pitches,” Berrios said. “What looks like a 94 and 95 mph pitch looks like a 96 or 97 out of his hand because he releases closer to the hitter. For example, Jenrry Mejia throws at the same velocity, but doesn’t get same amount of swings and misses. Obviously, Holt is a bigger guy, but he gets closer to the hitter and that’s why he gets more swings and misses.”

Soft-spoken and honest, Holt isn’t one to brag about his play this season.

Instead, he’ll let his numbers do the real talking.

“It gives me confidence knowing everyone has confidence in me,” said Holt. “I can only control how I pitch though and I think I’ve done a good job of that this season.”

Link-

Box Score to Last Night’s 9-6 Cyclones win.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.