With big wins over Clayton, Priory, Crystal City, and MRH, the Brentwood baseball team keeps getting wins, currently with a record of 8-3 and an undefeated record of 4-0 in conference play. The team’s senior night is Monday, April 28 at home against Crossroads at 4 pm. Make sure to come out and cheer for our seniors.
Braydon Ingram, who has been playing baseball for BHS since his freshman year, primarily plays right field. But this season and last, he has mostly played as a designated hitter. Ingram says that his position can change depending on the team’s needs.
Ingram start playing baseball because his mom told him to do it, but soon after he started playing, he realized he really enjoyed the sport. One of the biggest challenges he faces during a game is trying to stay positive after a mistake. “If I get struck out, I try to hold myself accountable,” Ingram said.
His favorite moment of his baseball career was in his sophomore year. “We played against University City, and my favorite moment was when I hit a double down,” Ingram said.
One of the ways Ingram works with his teammates to improve team chemistry and performance is by trying to talk to them. For instance, he will ask his teammates how his positioning is and get feedback from better-skilled teammates. During the off-season, Ingram stays in shape and active through jogging.
Some advice he would give to new and younger players is: “It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.”
— written by Gaspar Bustamente
Ryan Potts approaches baseball with complete dedication. With 10 consecutive years of competitive play under his belt – beginning on a select team and continuing through high school – his commitment to the sport is clear. Outside of Brentwood, Potts also plays for the Rawlings Tigers, a select team that further showcases his talent.
Over the years, he’s become a cornerstone of his high school team, frequently taking the mound as a pitcher or holding down first base. But Potts’s impact goes far beyond his position on the field; his leadership and presence set the tone for his teammates and underclassmen.
“Since last year, I’ve been one of the older people on the team. I make sure the younger kids have all their questions answered and know what they’re doing, and I teach them whatever they need to be taught,” said Potts.
It takes a lot of motivation and hard work to remain devoted to baseball for this long. How does he do it? Well, other than sheer talent, Potts has always had a cheerleader pushing with love for his best performance. “My dad,” Potts said. “Ever since I started playing, he’s never been satisfied. He’s always wanting me to get better.”
Looking ahead, Potts plans to continue his baseball journey at the collegiate level, either with Jefferson or Meramec Community College.
Potts will miss his fellow seniors, and he leaves his team with the advice: “Never give up, keep working hard.”
— written by Luellen Forney
Zeke Steensma enjoys playing outfield because it’s “kind of calm and you can see the whole field of play.”
Steensma, who also plays second base in addition to outfield, has been playing since he was 6 years old. Steensma was inspired to start playing baseball because of his dad, “He was a baseball coach when I was a kid, so I just always grew up being around baseball,” he said.
One way Steensma deals with losses or setbacks on the field is by trying to improve after every game they play. “When we lose, you know, it stinks, but we play 25 games for a reason, so we just try to get better every game,” he said.
For him, one of the biggest challenges he faces in the sport is hitting the ball, he said. Knowing that it is a challenge, he tries to prepare mentally by telling himself there’s always a next time, so that he keeps his head up. In fact, the “ability to fail and keep going,” he said, is a skill that he thinks is most essential for success on the field. That, and, of course, having knowledge of the game. He and his team took those skills to heart during one of his favorite moments of his BHS baseball career — when the team beat Christian O’Fallon his junior year. “They were a good team and it was a close game,” he said.
One of the ways Steensma builds a better connection and relationship with teammates is by spending time around them. “We like to go out to eat,” he said. “We joke a lot and just have fun.” Another way he keeps these connections is by giving advice to younger players on the team. His biggest piece of advice? “Constantly practice and just don’t get discouraged.”
— written by Gaspar Bustamante
Senior Abel Curdt has been playing baseball since first grade, beginning his journey on a CYC team in Webster. Over the years, he has grown into a key player on his high school team, excelling at third base with his sharp reflexes and powerful arm.
“Before a game, I like to listen to music and try to chill out,” Curdt explained. “I try and get my mistakes out during warmups.” This mindset has helped him maintain focus and stay grounded, even when the pressure is high on the field.
As he looks back on his career, Curdt is particularly grateful for the relationship he’s built with his father, who has been his constant support throughout the years. His father was the one who first introduced him to baseball, and since then, he has never missed a game. While not one for many words, the bond they share is profound.
“He’s not like a big talker, so I enjoy being able to just sit there in silence with him, and we’re close. He was my coach when I first started,” Curdt reflected.
Although his high school baseball career is coming to a close, Curdt is already looking ahead to his future. He has big aspirations at Mizzou, where he plans to major in Natural Resources Science and Management. While he may be leaving the diamond behind, his love for the sport and the lessons he’s learned will continue to shape him in the next chapter of his life.
Curdt will be missed dearly, and he leaves his underclassmen with the advice: “Just keep with it and don’t let your mistakes get to your head. Have fun.”
— written by Luellen Forney
“It’s been fun to see everybody grow and develop, going from these inexperienced young players trying to prove a point to the leaders on the team,” said senior Noam Still, as he reflected on his four years with the Eagles. Still began his baseball journey at just five years old on a small T-ball team. Since then, he has stayed committed to the sport, continually sharpening his skills. Known for his fielding ability and endurance, Still has become a dependable presence on the field.
Off the field, Still brings just as much value. He’s known for his tough love and quiet leadership, becoming a steady source of support for his teammates. Whether at practice or in the dugout during games, he enjoys the bond he shares with his team.
One of Still’s favorite memories comes from his early years on the team when Brentwood faced off against St. Pius. Despite their opponent having an incredible pitcher, the Eagles pulled off a memorable win. That victory, especially as an underclassman, has stuck with him. Still also shares a special bond with teammate Ryan Potts. The two have been inseparable since elementary school and have shared the field for years, growing together as both players and friends.
Looking ahead, Still plans to major in construction management at Missouri State University. And though he will be missed, he leaves his underclassmen with a piece of advice that perfectly captures his sense of humor and loyalty: “Listen to Coach Baxter and don’t listen to Brockton [teammate].”
— written by Luellen Forney
Jackson Curd has been playing baseball since he was eight years old. What began as simple games of catch with his dad in their neighborhood quickly grew into a passion for the sport. He got his official start on a CYC team, and over the years, progressed to club baseball with the O’Fallon Bombers before joining the high school team. Curd plays the demanding position of shortstop, though he also steps in as a pitcher and occasionally covers second base.
“I practice a lot outside of the game. I’ve definitely become more confident in my abilities,” said Curd. His leadership skills and strong communication have made him a vital part of the team. Curd has grown especially close with his fellow seniors, helping guide the team through the highs and lows of the season.
“It’s definitely been unique. There’s a wide variety of personalities, so hanging out with everyone, getting everyone to focus, can be a challenge, but we put all our abilities together so we’re pretty good,” said Curd.
One of his favorite memories from his time at Brentwood was getting the opportunity to be the starting pitcher in a game against Principia—an experience that stood out in his high school career. While Curd hopes to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level, his future plans are still taking shape. What he does know for certain is that he wants to pursue a degree in computer science. Curd will be missed, and the Brentwood community sends him off with gratitude and best wishes for the future.
— written by Luellen Forney
