Brenan Hanifee was a four-sport athlete during his years at Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater, Virginia. He broke records on the gridiron, but his real passion was on the baseball diamond.
Hanifee rose up the MLB draft boards this spring, and the Orioles used their fourth pick to snag him.
"Kinda went an unconventional route as far as most guys get drafted these days with playing baseball year round,” said Brenan’s Father, Sean Hanifee. “He chose not to do that and was able to enjoy high school and all of the sports that were available to him."
It's been a whirlwind five days for the Hanifee family. Brenan was drafted Friday and then graduated from high school Saturday.
Now, the right handed pitcher is in Charm City with his parents and older brother inching closer to a lifelong dream of his.
"His goal really is to be a Major Leaguer, he wants to pitch at Camden Yards, that's ultimately what he wants to accomplish, so hope he does," Sean said.
Being selected by the O's is a homecoming of sorts for Brenan, he lived in Maryland until he was about 10-years old, and Dad, Sean, was born and raised in Kent County. They're a baseball family that bleeds orange.
"So yeah, we kinda eat, breathe it,” said Sean. “We brought my wife here for Mother's Day, to Camden Yards, so that's kinda how we roll."
He says the entire family is proud and excited for Brenan and this next chapter. Being drafted by the birds is an honor, and the icing on the cake for an Orioles fan who worked hard to get here.
"Made the decision a little bit easier, I think, to get drafted by them,” said Brenan. “Growing up in Maryland we've always been Orioles fans, so that added a little bit more to it."
Brenan is at the stadium this week getting a physical done with the team, and if all goes well, he will be signed to one of the Oriole's Minor league teams.
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