Browns Pitcher Gets A Ticket To The Pros
When you get the chance, take it! That was the mindset of former Browns Pitcher Cameron Phelps when he found his way to professional baseball in Salem Oregon.
Phelps started playing college baseball at The Masters University in Santa Clara before moving on to Westmont College in Santa Barbara. While at Westmont, he posted a 4.06 ERA and helped the team get to the NAIA World Series playoffs.
Though they came up short in the tournament, that experience really motivated Cameron to continue playing.
After pitching for the Browns over the summer in 2022 then with the Semi-Professional team the Redding Tigers, he was scouted to play professionally with the Salem-Keiser Campesinos in the Mavericks League. The Mavericks League is an independent professional baseball league in Oregon that features top level non-drafted and released players. Phelps first two starts were solid as he went 5 innings each time and gave up very few runs. "It is definitely a different level of play up here, but I know I can hang" Phelps said in a phone interview.
Cameron stands a little over six feet tall and throws 90 mph with movement. Having the skill to play at the professional level is one thing, having the confidence to play at the professional level is a completely different thing. Phelps understands the mental strength one must have when approaching the game of baseball and his work ethic will help him improve and advance. The Browns Baseball Club is proud of Cameron and his accomplishments and wish him all the luck as he prepares to play professional baseball in 2023.
Rudd Continues At Shasta College
Ryan Rudd used to be the Redding Browns ace until he decided to attend college. Rudd found himself following his baseball passion and making the Shasta College Baseball team as a relief pitcher. After posting an 8.15 era his freshman year, he went to work during the off season to develop a new pitch and work on his change up. "Everybody can hit the fastball in college, I've had to learn to change speeds to get more outs" says Rudd after a bullpen over the summer.
Rudd played with the Browns after his collegiate season ended in 2022 and will play with the team through the coming summers. "It's great because I can stay home and save money while working over the summer, and I get to play baseball!" Ryan is looking to become an RN and work in the health industry, as for what college he will be transferring to after his sophomore year....that is still up in the air.