Brock Bragg is in his fourth and final season as Indian Creek’s starting catcher.
Chris Williams | For the Daily Journal
A lot of good can come out of being a freshman starter, but the adjustment period is inescapable.
Indian Creek’s Brock Bragg, now a senior, remembers the initial innings of his four-year stay as the Braves’ starting catcher.
“It was a rough one. I remember I went 0 for 4,” said Bragg, referring to the Braves’ 13-12 loss to Franklin County to open the 2021 season. “I was 14, 15 years old facing pitchers who were 18.
“I wouldn’t say I was ready for that moment. It was a big awakening. The biggest thing was just learning the pace of the game because the kids were faster and stronger.”
Over time, the jump from middle school to varsity became less daunting, enabling Bragg to provide more impressive input both at and behind the plate.
Perhaps best of all, his final prep season is fast shaping up to be the most memorable.
The Braves were off to a 14-1 start — and a perfect 9-0 in the Western Indiana Conference — heading into Friday’s game against Edinburgh, and Bragg, usually the No. 2 or 3 hitter, was sporting a .455 average and tied with classmate Carter Modlin for the team lead in home runs (two) and runs batted in (14).
Though not ranked in Class 3A at any point this season, the Braves, whose lone loss was to 4A No. 1 Center Grove in a Johnson County tournament semifinal, have outscored opponents 135-36 in their other games.
It’s a team, Bragg insists, on a mission.
Indian Creek has captured six sectional championships, the latest in 2019 capping a string of four consecutive titles. Since then, the Braves are 2-3 in sectional games, including a 2-0 loss to West Vigo to put a bow on the 2023 campaign.
Like Bragg, classmates Carter Modlin, the team’s center fielder, and left fielder Blayden Mann, both gained valuable experience as ninth-graders.
“Our group of juniors and seniors, most of us have played varsity since our freshman year,” Bragg said. “And our younger guys want to be part of the culture we’ve created.
“We had a chip on our shoulder going into the season. We just want to win games. There’s really no selfishness on the team right now. Guys will lay down a bunt if we need it, or play a position they’re not used to. That’s huge.”
Bragg’s .335 career batting average is the perfect complement to what he does defensively.
It’s there, second-year Indian Creek coach Greg Taylor says, where Bragg is capable of separating himself from others playing the same position.
“Brock’s defensive abilities are pretty special. What I do see is him working at it as well,” Taylor said. “But I don’t want his defense to take away from what he’s done offensively. His on-base percentage is very high (.510), and it was last year, too.
“He’s very disciplined, draws a lot of walks and puts the ball in play. Brock doesn’t strike out a lot.”
The same could be said for his future.
Bragg, already well-traveled having been part of three school systems since kindergarten, has committed to play baseball at Salem University, a Division II school in West Virginia.
Owner of a 4.1 grade-point average, Bragg plans to major in pre-med. He’ll play his baseball at Frank Loria Memorial Field, which offers up ample amounts of hilly terrain beyond the outfield fence.
“It’s really just great scenery and great facilities,” Bragg said. “It just feels like home, I guess.”
