Brandon was a awesome kid. He was fortunate to play baseball all over the country. He accomplished so much, and not just baseball. He finished college, was a "big brother "to a boy in San Diego. He coached Varsity baseball (pitching of course) in Glendale, CA and yet made sure he still worked hard.
He taught little league players pitching and wouldn't ask for anything in return. Things I didn't know, he studied the Lord so much more than what we would direct to him. His friends told me, he would send them different scriptures often, yet not grind them on their beliefs. At the funeral, an older ex-player told me, Brandon fed him for a number of months until he was able to get back on his feet, I had no idea.
He definitely watched over his sister, he would boot the boyfriend before I had the chance. What a wonderful brother! He would call me two or three times a day and his greeting was "hey pop what is going on?" He had really turned into a fine young man.
We said good bye to him on last Saturday. He touched many people. We have received letters, calls and visits from MLB people, college people, friends and relatives. The high school developed a college scholarship in his name for one senior ball player each year. In one day of announcing the scholarship, they can assist a number of players for a number of years, who knows what came today. What fantastic community, in addition to the baseball world.
During his return from Tommy John, I would grind him a bit, you need to throw to batters or something else. His reply was "I have it under control dad". After learning about him, his relationship with God and his giving heart, he did have it under control. My little saying to him was "make it count". He was supposed to leave for Illinois Thursday to join the Gateway Grizzlies and begin his journey in pro-ball.
I joked to him after the funeral services that he had a sold out stadium. The church held almost 1100 people and there was standing room only. He touched many, so l guess he did "make it count"! I know all of us here have great relationships with our kids, but if you don't, find a way. You never know when they will go.
Julie is going to help post a few pictures. One is the Babe Ruth world series, one Connie Mack World Series(they won them both), Long beach state, San Diego State and him just being a kid with no uniform, a rare moment.
Thanks for this site. It is great for the up and coming players or parents and the old ones too.
Good luck to all!
Brett Villalobos
Lclcoach.
PHOTOS OF BRANDON:
