Russell Branyan
Encyclopedia
Russell Oles Branyan is a Major League Baseball
first baseman
. He throws right-handed, bats left-handed
, and primarily plays first base
, but is capable of playing third base
and the outfield
. Branyan began his professional career in the Cleveland Indians
minor league system. His major league debut was with the Indians on September 26, 1998. He has played for the Cleveland Indians
(two occasions), Cincinnati Reds
, Milwaukee Brewers
(two occasions), Tampa Bay Devil Rays
, San Diego Padres
, Philadelphia Phillies
, St. Louis Cardinals
, the Seattle Mariners
(two occasions), Arizona Diamondbacks
and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
Dubbed "Russell The Muscle," Branyan does not typically hit for a high batting average
and strikes out frequently. However, he consistently draws walks
and hits home run
s. Branyan has been given the nickname 3TO, which stands for three true outcomes, by some groups of fans for his propensity to either draw a walk, strike out, or hit a home run. Because of this, players such as Jack Cust
have drawn comparisons to Branyan.
. His high school fostered such athletic talent like professional football player Le Kevin Smith
and professional golfer Peter Persons
. Branyan was selected as an All-Georgia State player in both 1993 and 1994. He was drafted out of Stratford Academy in the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft
by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round (185th pick overall).
in . He batted
.211 with 10 doubles
, five home run
s and 13 RBIs in 55 games. The next two seasons, and , Branyan played with the Class-A Columbus RedStixx
of the South Atlantic League
. He was named the South Atlantic League Most Valuable Player
in 1996 after he set a league record for most home runs in a single season, with 40. The previous record was held by Mike Simms
who hit 39 home runs in . He was second in home runs and ninth in RBIs (with 106) in all of minor league baseball in 1996. He was named the Indians' 1996 Minor League Player of the Year (receiving the "Lou Boudreau
Award").
In , with both the Class-A Advanced Kinston Indians
and the Double-A Akron Aeros
, he led all minor league baseball in home runs with 39. Russell Branyan was once considered a top prospect in the Cleveland Indians
organization, being compared to Mark McGwire
. In a strained tendon in his right wrist kept him on the disabled list for most of the season. In for the Bisons, he batted .208 and hit 30 home runs.
(also his first home run) on July 23, 1999 off of New York Yankees
' pitcher
David Cone
. In , Branyan continued his struggles, hitting .238 with 16 homers. After the 1999 season, Baseball America
named Branyan as the Indians top prospect. On June 1, he hit two home runs in one game, the first two home run game of his career. In , an injury to Travis Fryman
moved Branyan to third for a good part of the season. He again had a poor average, batting .232, with 20 home runs. In , manager Charlie Manuel
wanted Branyan to succeed Fryman full time, though he was primarily used as a utility player
throughout the season. Manuel stated that Branyan should be an everyday player saying, "He's definitely not a guy you want sitting on the bench, because of the timing in his swing." In spring training
, Branyan was promised that he would be an everyday player. He hit .205 with just 8 homers before he was traded to Cincinnati for prospect Ben Broussard
.
. On August 4, 2002, Branyan hit three home runs, two off of Bobby J. Jones
and one off of Mike Holtz
as the Reds beat the San Diego Padres
. He also hit two home runs on September 27, both off Montreal Expos
' pitcher
Javier Vázquez
. He finished the 2002 season to hit a combined .228 with 24 home runs and 151 strikeouts between the Indians and Reds. Branyan was also praised for his improved fielding during his transition to the outfield
. At season's end, Branyan played winter ball in the Dominican Republic
where on November 18, he injured his shoulder. An examination with the team's physician discovered serious damage, and Branyan underwent arthroscopic surgery on this shoulder on December 3.
. During the seventh-inning of that game, pitcher Paul Wilson hit
outfielder Moisés Alou
with a pitch, and during the bottom of the inning Cubs' pitcher Kyle Farnsworth
threw inside on Wilson during his at-bat which lead to a fight between Farnsworth and Wilson. Branyan, who was in the dugout
, had to be restrained by teammates after a verbal altercation with Cubs' first baseman Eric Karros during the fight between the two pitchers. His home run on June 7, against Toronto Blue Jays'
pitcher Jeff Tam
was his first of the season. It was also 100th home run hit at the Great American Ball Park
. His pinch-hit grand slam off Brooks Kieschnick
on July 21 against Milwaukee was his first career pinch-hit home run and third career grand slam. He returned to the disabled list on August 13 with a right ankle
sprain he obtained while sliding into the wall chasing a foul ball on hit by San Francisco Giants
' second baseman Ray Durham
on August 1. After returning from the disabled list on August 28, he started 27 of the Reds' final 29 games of the season. Branyan finished the season with a .216 average, 12 doubles, nine home runs and 26 RBIs. His contract was not renewed at the end of the season.
with the Atlanta Braves
. On March 25, Branyan was cut from spring training and assigned to the minor league camp. He began the 2004 season with the Richmond Braves
, the Triple-A affiliate of the Braves. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later
and assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
on April 25.
for assignment
. He made' his Brewers debut in a ninth inning pinch-hit appearance that evening. About the trade, Branyan said this,
On July 27, Branyan hit the longest home run in Miller Park history off Chicago Cubs' pitcher Greg Maddux
. The ball went an estimated 480-feet. On August 18, Branyan hit two home runs against the Chicago Cubs and drove in all five runs for the Brewers in a loss. Branyan went 3-for-4 in his second multi-home run game of season (ninth of his career) on September 12, against the Cincinnati Reds. Branyan hit .279 with 26 homers and 79 RBIs in 93 games at the Triple-A level in 2004, and posted a .234 batting average with 11 homers, and 27 RBIs in 51 games with the Brewers. He hit six home runs in his first 14 games with Milwaukee. He played 44 games at third base (40 starts), and two games at first base (1 start). On December 21, the Brewers resigned Branyan, avoiding salary arbitration.
for the starting spot at third base. He missed a month of the season, from June 2 to July 4, with a fractured middle finger on his left hand. Branyan went 5-for-17 in six rehab games with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. After Branyan was activated from the disabled list, the Brewers optioned Prince Fielder
to the minor leagues to make room for Branyan on the major league roster. Though he was off the disabled list, Branyan was still bothered by injuries throughout the rest of the season. By the end of the 2005 season, Branyan played 59 games at third base, 5 at first base and 3 in left field. On the offensive side, Branyan batted .257 with 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Branyan expressed interest in returning to the Brewers in . He was re-signed by the Brewers on December 20, 2005 but after they acquired third basemen Corey Koskie
from the Toronto Blue Jays, Branyan was designated for assignment. Branyan cleared waivers on January 18, and was released by the Brewers.
that year and competed for a spot on the roster as a utility player
. Branyan missed more than a week of spring training due to back spasms. He failed to make the 25-man roster out of spring training, and was sent to the Devil Rays' Triple-A affiliate, the Durham Bulls
. He did not play in a game for the Bulls, however, as he was called-up to Tampa Bay due to an injury to Luis Ordaz
on opening day
. On May 21, Branyan hit a walk-off home run
against Florida Marlins'
pitcher Logan Kensing
. It was Branyan's first career walk-off home run. With the Devil Rays, he spent the majority of his playing time in right field. Branyan also expressed concerns with the fact he was not an everyday starter. In 64 games for the Devil Rays, Branyan batted .201 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles, and 27 RBIs.
for minor league pitchers Evan Meek
and Dale Thayer. On the trade Branyan said:
Branyan hit two home runs on August 29 against the Arizona Diamondbacks
. The first home run in the seventh inning against Brandon Webb
went an estimated 422 feet, and the second came in the ninth inning against Jorge Julio
went an estimated 456 feet. Branyan hit his fifth home run as a member of the Padres on September 24, against the Pittsburgh Pirates
. When recorded, it was the longest in Petco Park
history, going an estimated 453 feet. He hit .292 for the Padres with 6 home runs, 9 RBIs, 14 runs scored and 15 walks. He compiled a .416 on-base percentage while slugging .556. He started at third base in 26 of San Diego's final 33 games and committed only 3 errors in 45 total chances. His 18 home runs overall in 2006 were the most he hit in a single season since 2002. At the end of the season it was speculated that Branyan would have a sure spot on the roster out of spring training. On October 30, Branyan's $ option was picked up by the Padres.
Going into spring training in , newly acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff
was slated for the job at third base. This left Branyan as a bench player going into the season. Branyan addressed the issues stating that he just wanted to play, no matter the circumstances. However, Branyan was seen as a good option if Kouzmanoff failed to produce at third base and at the plate. He got off to a slow start out of spring training.
Branyan was placed on the bereavement list following the death of this father-in-law on April 27. This made room for catcher
Josh Bard
on the roster. He was activated on May 3 and the Padres sent Pete Laforest
outright to the Triple-A Portland Beavers
to make room for Branyan on the roster. On May 12, in a win over the St. Louis Cardinals
, Branyan hit two home runs. The first was against Kip Wells
, and the second against Brian Falkenborg
. Branyan hit a go-ahead home run at Wrigley Field
against the Chicago Cubs
in a 1–0 win on June 16. In 2007, Branyan batted .197 with five doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 19 RBIs in 61 games for the Padres before his release on July 28. The release made room for Scott Hairston
on the Padres' roster.
for cash considerations. On August 14, in his first at-bat with the Phillies, Branyan hit a two-run home run against the Washington Nationals
, putting the Phillies ahead in the game 3–2.
for a player to be named later. During his tenure in St. Louis, Branyan filled in for Scott Rolen
, the Cardinals' regular starting third baseman. At the end of the season, Branyan filed for free agency.
contract with the Milwaukee Brewers
. Branyan began the season with the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. On May 25, his contract was purchased by the Brewers, and he was added to the active roster. To make room on the roster, the Brewers sent Tony Gwynn Jr. to Triple-A Nashville. About the call-up, Branyan said,
Branyan began the season playing a platoon role
with teammate Bill Hall. Hall did not like the shared role, feeling that he should be playing full-time. Branyan expressed no problem with the platoon role, but stated that he understood why Hall disliked the situation. Branyan started the season earning praise from manager Ned Yost
and soon saw increased playing time. Later in the season, however, Branyan's playing time was decreased.
He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 12 with a right oblique
strain. Branyan rehabilitated at the Brewers' spring training facility, and was reinstated on September 23. On May 31, shortly after his return to the majors, he hit a 465-foot home run into the "Dew Deck" in the right-field bleachers of the stadium, helping the Brewers to a 4–1 win. Branyan finished the season with 12 home runs, and 20 RBIs in 132 at bats. He appeared in 50 games with the Brewers, including 35 starts; 33 at third base, and 2 at first base. He became the first player in franchise history to hit 10 home runs while playing 20 or fewer games in a season. He batted .455 with two homers as a pinch hitter.
ophthalmologist Dr. Barry Seiller. The exercises strengthen eye muscles and improve focus at the plate. The program is one like designated hitter
Edgar Martínez
used when he played for the Mariners. In Branyan's first at-bat of the game on August 7, he hit a home run. This was his 25th home run on the year, but it also set a new career high. The previous, 24, was achieved during the 2002 season. He has also set career records in in RBIs, doubles, hits, runs and total bases in the 2009 season.
On August 9, , Branyan hit a grand slam
in the bottom of the sixth inning, this was his first hit in eleven at-bats and his fourth career grand slam. Branyan was often placed in the number two spot in the batting order
in 2009 compared to the fourth spot, where managers typically put power hitters. The reason for this was because Branyan expressed discomfort with the cleanup
role because of the excessive work load.
after experiencing pain on a swing and underwent an MRI
the next day. On September 27 the Mariners' manager Don Wakamatsu
acknowledged it was unlikely that Branyan would be rejoining the Mariners in . However, Branyan was reinstated form the disabled list on September 30 and said there might be a possibility of him playing before the end of the season.
Branyan never played for the Mariners again in 2009 after going on the disabled list, he finished the season with a .251 batting average, 31 home runs, 21 doubles, one triple, 108 hits, 224 total bases in 116 games. On the defensive side he had a .990 fielding percentage with 10 errors (tied for most in the league for a first baseman) in 116 games at first base, all starts.
, but on the possible return, Branyan said:
Branyan rejected a one-year offer from the Mariners on November 10. He stated that the reason for the decline was because he wanted a contract that lasted for more than one year, possibly a two or three-year contract. Branyan also stated that he still wanted to return to Seattle, but would rather test the free agent
market than settle for anything less than a two-year contract. On January 7, 2010, the Seattle Mariners traded infielder
Bill Hall for first baseman Casey Kotchman
. For Branyan, this meant it was unlikely the Mariners would offer him a new contract as Kotchman would be the likely candidate for the starting job at first base, vacated by Branyan. On February 2, 2010, ESPN.com
reported that the Florida Marlins
had offered a one-year contract to Branyan. On February 5, a conflicting report stated that the Marlins had not offered Branyan a contract. On February 9, Foxsports.com
reported that Branyan has drawn interest from both the Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Joe Frisaro, writer for MLB.com, reported on February 13, that the Marlins were not interested in signing Branyan. It was reported by Foxsports.com on February 16, that the Tampa Bay Rays
, the Boston Red Sox
, and the Cleveland Indians were interested in signing Branyan. That day, the Indians offered Branyan a one-year major league contract, according to MLB.com. On February 17, it was reported by Foxsports.com that the Red Sox were no longer interested in Branyan.
as of March 29, 2010
and Juan Díaz.
with an invitation to Spring Training. He made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster. To clear up the three-way traffic jam at first base with Juan Miranda
and Xavier Nady
, Branyan was released on May 21, 2011. Micah Owings
was called up to take his spot.
on May 26, 2011. He made his first appearance at the plate on that same day, hitting a deep fly ball to dead center field in a pinch-hit appearance. However, Oakland Athletics
outfielder Coco Crisp
tracked the ball down in the sun to end the game.
with his wife Jill, with whom he has three children: daughters Kylie and Quinn, and son Cash. Cash was named after Johnny Cash
, of whom Branyan is a fan.
On January 31, 2008, Branyan was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife, Jill. According to police accounts, officers were called to a parking lot of a police station after an officer found Jill Branyan sitting alone in her car, crying. The couple had gone to The Cowboy restaurant in Bainbridge, Ohio
and reportedly argued on the way home. At some point, Russell Branyan, who was driving, allegedly put his hand on Jill's face, causing her to have a cut lip. The force of the grab caused her to develop a swollen lip and some bleeding. When the couple entered their home, Jill's mother saw the injury and said she, Jill, and the children, should leave the home for the evening and go to her house.
Branyan entered a "not guilty" plea in Shaker Heights Municipal Court on February 5, 2008, charged with one count of domestic violence. Branyan's attorney, Philip Kushner, and Pepper Pike Prosecutor Jonathan D. Greenberg agreed to terms of a temporary protection order against Branyan that protected Branyan's wife and their two children. The order required Branyan to turn over his keys and garage door openers to both of the couple's homes in Pepper Pike and in Franklin, Tennessee
, and ordered him not to be within 500 feet of his wife or either of his two children. The order did not allow Branyan any visitation rights with his children and prohibited him from consuming any alcohol
or illegal drugs
at any time.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
first baseman
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
. He throws right-handed, bats left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
, and primarily plays first base
First baseman
First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team...
, but is capable of playing third base
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
and the outfield
Outfield
The outfield is a sporting term used in cricket and baseball to refer to the area of the field of play further from the batsman or batter than the infield...
. Branyan began his professional career in the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
minor league system. His major league debut was with the Indians on September 26, 1998. He has played for the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
(two occasions), Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
(two occasions), Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
, San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
(two occasions), Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
Dubbed "Russell The Muscle," Branyan does not typically hit for a high batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
and strikes out frequently. However, he consistently draws walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
and hits home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s. Branyan has been given the nickname 3TO, which stands for three true outcomes, by some groups of fans for his propensity to either draw a walk, strike out, or hit a home run. Because of this, players such as Jack Cust
Jack Cust
John Joseph "Jack" Cust III is an American professional baseball designated hitter and outfielder who is a free agent. Cust attended Immaculata High School in Somerville, New Jersey...
have drawn comparisons to Branyan.
High school
Branyan was a 1994 graduate from Stratford AcademyStratford Academy
Stratford Academy is an independent school near Macon, Georgia, United States. Stratford was founded in 1960 by a group of Macon parents who felt that the Middle Georgia area needed an independent college preparatory school. In September 1960, the school opened its doors to 117 students and 17...
. His high school fostered such athletic talent like professional football player Le Kevin Smith
Le Kevin Smith
Le Kevin Smith is an American football defensive lineman of the National Football League, who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
and professional golfer Peter Persons
Peter Persons
Peter Taylor Persons is an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour.Persons was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. He received coaching and training in the junior program developed by Georgia Golf Hall of Fame member Dan Nyimicz at Idle Hour Golf Club in...
. Branyan was selected as an All-Georgia State player in both 1993 and 1994. He was drafted out of Stratford Academy in the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft
1994 Major League Baseball Draft
-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1994 Major League Baseball draft.-Compensation picks:-Other notable players:*A.J. Pierzynski , Minnesota Twins, 3rd round*Bobby Howry , San Francisco Giants, 5th round...
by the Cleveland Indians in the seventh round (185th pick overall).
Early minor league career
Branyan began his professional career with the rookie-level Burlington Indians of the Appalachian LeagueAppalachian League
The Appalachian League is a Rookie-class minor league that began play in 1937 with one year of inactivity in 1956. From 1937 to 1962, it was a Class D League. Teams are located in the Appalachian regions of Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee...
in . He batted
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
.211 with 10 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, five home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and 13 RBIs in 55 games. The next two seasons, and , Branyan played with the Class-A Columbus RedStixx
Columbus RedStixx
The Columbus RedStixx were a minor league baseball team in Columbus, Georgia. They were a Class A team in the South Atlantic League, and a farm team of the Cleveland Indians.The RedStixx played home games at Golden Park, except during 1996...
of the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
. He was named the South Atlantic League Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
in 1996 after he set a league record for most home runs in a single season, with 40. The previous record was held by Mike Simms
Mike Simms
Michael Howard Simms is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played all or part of nine seasons in the majors between and . Six of those seasons were spent with the Houston Astros, and three with the Texas Rangers....
who hit 39 home runs in . He was second in home runs and ninth in RBIs (with 106) in all of minor league baseball in 1996. He was named the Indians' 1996 Minor League Player of the Year (receiving the "Lou Boudreau
Lou Boudreau
Louis "Lou" Boudreau was an American Major League Baseball player and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970...
Award").
In , with both the Class-A Advanced Kinston Indians
Kinston Indians
The Kinston Indians were a minor league baseball team of the Carolina League , and the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. They were located in Kinston, North Carolina, and were named for their parent club...
and the Double-A Akron Aeros
Akron Aeros
The Akron Aeros are a minor league baseball team based in Akron, Ohio, USA. The team, which plays in the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.The Aeros play in Canal Park, located in downtown Akron, which seats 9,097 fans...
, he led all minor league baseball in home runs with 39. Russell Branyan was once considered a top prospect in the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
organization, being compared to Mark McGwire
Mark McGwire
Mark David McGwire , nicknamed "Big Mac", is an American former professional baseball player who played his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently the hitting coach for the St...
. In a strained tendon in his right wrist kept him on the disabled list for most of the season. In for the Bisons, he batted .208 and hit 30 home runs.
1997–2001: Major League beginning
Branyan was first called up to the Cleveland Indians in . In his major league debut on September 26, 1998, Branyan went 0-for-4. The next season, , Branyan played 11 games with Cleveland, batting .211 with one home run and six RBIs. Branyan got his first hitHit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
(also his first home run) on July 23, 1999 off of New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
' pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
David Cone
David Cone
David Brian Cone is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1986-2003 for six different teams. Cone pitched the sixteenth perfect game in baseball history. He also set the MLB record for most years between 20-win seasons. He was a member of five...
. In , Branyan continued his struggles, hitting .238 with 16 homers. After the 1999 season, Baseball America
Baseball America
Baseball America is a magazine which covers baseball at every level, with a particular focus on up-and-coming players in high school, college, Japan, and the minor leagues. It is currently published in the form of a bi-weekly newspaper, five annual reference book titles, a weekly podcast, and a...
named Branyan as the Indians top prospect. On June 1, he hit two home runs in one game, the first two home run game of his career. In , an injury to Travis Fryman
Travis Fryman
David Travis Fryman is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and shortstop, and currently a hitting instructor for the Cleveland Indians farm system...
moved Branyan to third for a good part of the season. He again had a poor average, batting .232, with 20 home runs. In , manager Charlie Manuel
Charlie Manuel
Charles Fuqua Manuel, Jr. is a former Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder and current Major League Baseball manager of the Philadelphia Phillies...
wanted Branyan to succeed Fryman full time, though he was primarily used as a utility player
Utility player
In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include association football , baseball, rugby, rugby league, water polo and softball....
throughout the season. Manuel stated that Branyan should be an everyday player saying, "He's definitely not a guy you want sitting on the bench, because of the timing in his swing." In spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
, Branyan was promised that he would be an everyday player. He hit .205 with just 8 homers before he was traded to Cincinnati for prospect Ben Broussard
Ben Broussard
Benjamin Isaac Broussard is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman. He is currently a musician. Broussard was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft...
.
2002: Transition to the National League
Branyan called the trade to Cincinnati, "a clean slate," stating he had been branded as a home run or strikeout player in Cleveland. He improved his numbers after the trade, but they still remained poor as he played left field opposed to his normal position at third base that was occupied by Aaron BooneAaron Boone
Aaron John Boone is a former Major League Baseball infielder whose famous home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield won the 2003 American League Championship Series for the New York Yankees. He played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Florida Marlins, Washington...
. On August 4, 2002, Branyan hit three home runs, two off of Bobby J. Jones
Bobby J. Jones
Robert Joseph Jones is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. His career spanned from 1993 through 2002. He pitched for two teams, the New York Mets, and the San Diego Padres...
and one off of Mike Holtz
Mike Holtz
Michael James Holtz is a former middle relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from through for the California Angels , Anaheim Angels , Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres , and Boston Red Sox...
as the Reds beat the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. He also hit two home runs on September 27, both off Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
' pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Javier Vázquez
Javier Vázquez
Javier Carlos Vázquez is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. Previously, he pitched for the Florida Marlins , Atlanta Braves , Chicago White Sox , Arizona Diamondbacks , New York Yankees and Montreal Expos . Vázquez was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico...
. He finished the 2002 season to hit a combined .228 with 24 home runs and 151 strikeouts between the Indians and Reds. Branyan was also praised for his improved fielding during his transition to the outfield
Outfield
The outfield is a sporting term used in cricket and baseball to refer to the area of the field of play further from the batsman or batter than the infield...
. At season's end, Branyan played winter ball in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
where on November 18, he injured his shoulder. An examination with the team's physician discovered serious damage, and Branyan underwent arthroscopic surgery on this shoulder on December 3.
2003: Sidelined by injuries
Branyan suffered through an injury-plagued season in , appearing in 74 games, including 42 starts, for the Reds. He began the season on the disabled list, recovering from arthroscopic surgery. Branyan was reinstated from the disabled list on May 29. Branyan's shoulder was said to be at less than 100 percent but the Reds reinstated him despite his preference to undergo more rehab. On June 25, Branyan was fined an undisclosed amount after an in game incident against the Chicago CubsChicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
. During the seventh-inning of that game, pitcher Paul Wilson hit
Hit by pitch
In baseball, hit by pitch , or hit batsman , is a batter or his equipment being hit in some part of his body by a pitch from the pitcher.-Official rule:...
outfielder Moisés Alou
Moisés Alou
Moisés Rojas Alou |Spanish:]] ; born July 3, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia) is a former American outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for 17 seasons in the National League. In 1,942 career games, Alou had a batting average of .303 with 2,134 hits, 421 doubles, 332 home runs, and 1,287 runs...
with a pitch, and during the bottom of the inning Cubs' pitcher Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Lynn Farnsworth is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school and college:...
threw inside on Wilson during his at-bat which lead to a fight between Farnsworth and Wilson. Branyan, who was in the dugout
Dugout (baseball)
In baseball, the dugout is a team's bench area and is located in foul territory between home plate and either first or third base. There are two dugouts, one for the home team and one for the visiting team. In general, the dugout is occupied by all players not prescribed to be on the field at that...
, had to be restrained by teammates after a verbal altercation with Cubs' first baseman Eric Karros during the fight between the two pitchers. His home run on June 7, against Toronto Blue Jays'
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
pitcher Jeff Tam
Jeff Tam
Jeffrey Eugene Tam is a former right-handed relief pitcher who pitched in the major leagues from 1998 to 2003.-Early years and college career:...
was his first of the season. It was also 100th home run hit at the Great American Ball Park
Great American Ball Park
The Great American Ball Park is a Major League Baseball park in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home of the National League's Cincinnati Reds. It opened in 2003, replacing the Reds' former home, Cinergy Field, which was known as Riverfront Stadium from its opening in June 1970 until the 1996...
. His pinch-hit grand slam off Brooks Kieschnick
Brooks Kieschnick
Michael Brooks Kieschnick is a former Major League Baseball player. He was primarily a relief pitcher and left-handed pinch hitter...
on July 21 against Milwaukee was his first career pinch-hit home run and third career grand slam. He returned to the disabled list on August 13 with a right ankle
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
sprain he obtained while sliding into the wall chasing a foul ball on hit by San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
' second baseman Ray Durham
Ray Durham
Ray Durham , nicknamed The Sugarman, is a former Major League Baseball second baseman.A two-time All-Star, Durham in his prime was one of the premier offensive catalysts in all of baseball, providing prototypical lead-off hitting with power...
on August 1. After returning from the disabled list on August 28, he started 27 of the Reds' final 29 games of the season. Branyan finished the season with a .216 average, 12 doubles, nine home runs and 26 RBIs. His contract was not renewed at the end of the season.
Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians
On January 21, Branyan signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
with the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. On March 25, Branyan was cut from spring training and assigned to the minor league camp. He began the 2004 season with the Richmond Braves
Richmond Braves
The Richmond Braves were the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and played in the International League. Colloquially referred to as the R-Braves, they were based in Richmond, Virginia, where they played from 1966, when the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta where their AAA team, the Crackers,...
, the Triple-A affiliate of the Braves. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...
and assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons are a minor league baseball team based in Buffalo, New York. They currently play in the International League and are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets...
on April 25.
2004: Purchase from Cleveland
Branyan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 26, 2004 from Buffalo for future cash considerations. To make room for Branyan, the Brewers designated outfielder Chris MagruderChris Magruder
Christopher James Magruder is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Milwaukee Brewers....
for assignment
Designated for assignment
Designated for assignment is a contractual term used in Major League Baseball. When a player is designated for assignment, he is immediately removed from the club's 40-man roster. This gives the club 10 days to decide what to do with the player while freeing up a roster spot for another...
. He made' his Brewers debut in a ninth inning pinch-hit appearance that evening. About the trade, Branyan said this,
On July 27, Branyan hit the longest home run in Miller Park history off Chicago Cubs' pitcher Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux
Gregory Alan Maddux , nicknamed "Mad Dog" and "The Professor", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the first pitcher in major league history to win the Cy Young Award for four consecutive years , a feat matched only by Randy Johnson...
. The ball went an estimated 480-feet. On August 18, Branyan hit two home runs against the Chicago Cubs and drove in all five runs for the Brewers in a loss. Branyan went 3-for-4 in his second multi-home run game of season (ninth of his career) on September 12, against the Cincinnati Reds. Branyan hit .279 with 26 homers and 79 RBIs in 93 games at the Triple-A level in 2004, and posted a .234 batting average with 11 homers, and 27 RBIs in 51 games with the Brewers. He hit six home runs in his first 14 games with Milwaukee. He played 44 games at third base (40 starts), and two games at first base (1 start). On December 21, the Brewers resigned Branyan, avoiding salary arbitration.
2005: Return and success
Branyan returned to the Brewers in and went to spring training competing with Wes HelmsWes Helms
Wesley Ray Helms is an American professional baseball third baseman, first baseman, and outfielder but is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed.-Professional career:...
for the starting spot at third base. He missed a month of the season, from June 2 to July 4, with a fractured middle finger on his left hand. Branyan went 5-for-17 in six rehab games with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. After Branyan was activated from the disabled list, the Brewers optioned Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder
Prince Semien Fielder is a Major League Baseball free agent who plays first base. He is currently listed at 5' 11" and . He was selected by the Brewers in the first round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft out of Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, Florida.He is the son of former Detroit...
to the minor leagues to make room for Branyan on the major league roster. Though he was off the disabled list, Branyan was still bothered by injuries throughout the rest of the season. By the end of the 2005 season, Branyan played 59 games at third base, 5 at first base and 3 in left field. On the offensive side, Branyan batted .257 with 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Branyan expressed interest in returning to the Brewers in . He was re-signed by the Brewers on December 20, 2005 but after they acquired third basemen Corey Koskie
Corey Koskie
Cordel Leonard "Corey" Koskie is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.-Baseball career:...
from the Toronto Blue Jays, Branyan was designated for assignment. Branyan cleared waivers on January 18, and was released by the Brewers.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Branyan signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on January 31, . He attended spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
that year and competed for a spot on the roster as a utility player
Utility player
In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include association football , baseball, rugby, rugby league, water polo and softball....
. Branyan missed more than a week of spring training due to back spasms. He failed to make the 25-man roster out of spring training, and was sent to the Devil Rays' Triple-A affiliate, the Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...
. He did not play in a game for the Bulls, however, as he was called-up to Tampa Bay due to an injury to Luis Ordaz
Luis Ordaz
Luis Javier Ordaz , is a former Major League Baseball utility infielder. Ordaz played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Kansas City Royals and Tampa Bay Devil Rays...
on opening day
Opening Day
Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book...
. On May 21, Branyan hit a walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
against Florida Marlins'
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
pitcher Logan Kensing
Logan Kensing
Logan French Kensing is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball.-Florida Marlins:...
. It was Branyan's first career walk-off home run. With the Devil Rays, he spent the majority of his playing time in right field. Branyan also expressed concerns with the fact he was not an everyday starter. In 64 games for the Devil Rays, Branyan batted .201 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles, and 27 RBIs.
2006: Return to the National League
On August 24, 2006, Branyan was traded to the San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
for minor league pitchers Evan Meek
Evan Meek
Evan David Meek is a right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was named to the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. His nicknames include Super Meek and Evan Almighty-Early career:Meek attended Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington...
and Dale Thayer. On the trade Branyan said:
Branyan hit two home runs on August 29 against the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
. The first home run in the seventh inning against Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
went an estimated 422 feet, and the second came in the ninth inning against Jorge Julio
Jorge Julio
Jorge Dandys Julio Tapia is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He previously played for the Baltimore Orioles from 2001–2005, New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, and the Florida Marlins in 2007 before being traded...
went an estimated 456 feet. Branyan hit his fifth home run as a member of the Padres on September 24, against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. When recorded, it was the longest in Petco Park
PETCO Park
Petco Park is an open-air ballpark in downtown San Diego, California, USA. It opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium as the home park of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Before then, the Padres shared Qualcomm Stadium with the NFL's San Diego Chargers...
history, going an estimated 453 feet. He hit .292 for the Padres with 6 home runs, 9 RBIs, 14 runs scored and 15 walks. He compiled a .416 on-base percentage while slugging .556. He started at third base in 26 of San Diego's final 33 games and committed only 3 errors in 45 total chances. His 18 home runs overall in 2006 were the most he hit in a single season since 2002. At the end of the season it was speculated that Branyan would have a sure spot on the roster out of spring training. On October 30, Branyan's $ option was picked up by the Padres.
2007: Struggles and release
Kevin Kouzmanoff
Kevin Kouzmanoff is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent.Kouzmanoff had trouble with various sports in high school. He got special help for batting practice, just to learn how to swing a bat for three years, implementing a swing...
was slated for the job at third base. This left Branyan as a bench player going into the season. Branyan addressed the issues stating that he just wanted to play, no matter the circumstances. However, Branyan was seen as a good option if Kouzmanoff failed to produce at third base and at the plate. He got off to a slow start out of spring training.
Branyan was placed on the bereavement list following the death of this father-in-law on April 27. This made room for catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Josh Bard
Josh Bard
Joshua David Bard is an American professional baseball catcher and designated hitter who is a free agent. Bard is a switch-hitter who throws right-handed....
on the roster. He was activated on May 3 and the Padres sent Pete Laforest
Pete Laforest
Pierre-Luc "Pete" Laforest is a baseball catcher for the Quebec Capitales. He is a graduate of Fort Scott Community College. He was a draft pick of the Montreal Expos, but has also played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the San Diego Padres, and the Philadelphia Phillies...
outright to the Triple-A Portland Beavers
Portland Beavers
The Tucson Padres are a minor league baseball team, representing Tucson, Arizona, in the Pacific Coast League . They are the Triple-A affiliate for the San Diego Padres. The team was formerly known as the Portland Beavers and played its last home game at PGE Park on September 6, 2010...
to make room for Branyan on the roster. On May 12, in a win over the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, Branyan hit two home runs. The first was against Kip Wells
Kip Wells
Robert "Kip" Wells is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.-High school career:...
, and the second against Brian Falkenborg
Brian Falkenborg
Brian Thomas Falkenborg is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently pitching for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball....
. Branyan hit a go-ahead home run at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
against the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
in a 1–0 win on June 16. In 2007, Branyan batted .197 with five doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 19 RBIs in 61 games for the Padres before his release on July 28. The release made room for Scott Hairston
Scott Hairston
Scott Alexander Hairston is an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Hairston bats and throws right-handed.-High school years:...
on the Padres' roster.
Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies
On August 6, 2007, Branyan signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. He played one game with their Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. On August 9, Branyan was placed on waivers and traded to the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for cash considerations. On August 14, in his first at-bat with the Phillies, Branyan hit a two-run home run against the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
, putting the Phillies ahead in the game 3–2.
St. Louis Cardinals
On August 28, Branyan was designated for assignment by the Phillies. On August 31, he was traded to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
for a player to be named later. During his tenure in St. Louis, Branyan filled in for Scott Rolen
Scott Rolen
Scott Bruce Rolen is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. He is an eight-time Gold Glove winner and seven-time All-Star.-Philadelphia Phillies:...
, the Cardinals' regular starting third baseman. At the end of the season, Branyan filed for free agency.
Milwaukee Brewers, second tenure
On February 20, , Branyan signed a minor leagueMinor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
contract with the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. Branyan began the season with the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds. On May 25, his contract was purchased by the Brewers, and he was added to the active roster. To make room on the roster, the Brewers sent Tony Gwynn Jr. to Triple-A Nashville. About the call-up, Branyan said,
Branyan began the season playing a platoon role
Platoon system
The platoon system in baseball is a method of designating two players to a single defensive position—usually one right-handed and one left-handed. Typically the right-handed half of the platoon is played on days when the opposing pitcher is left-handed and the left-handed player is played otherwise...
with teammate Bill Hall. Hall did not like the shared role, feeling that he should be playing full-time. Branyan expressed no problem with the platoon role, but stated that he understood why Hall disliked the situation. Branyan started the season earning praise from manager Ned Yost
Ned Yost
Edgar Frederick "Ned" Yost III is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager of the Kansas City Royals. He is the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.-Playing career:...
and soon saw increased playing time. Later in the season, however, Branyan's playing time was decreased.
He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 12 with a right oblique
Abdominal external oblique muscle
The external oblique muscle is the largest and the most superficial of the three flat muscles of the lateral anterior abdomen.-Structure:...
strain. Branyan rehabilitated at the Brewers' spring training facility, and was reinstated on September 23. On May 31, shortly after his return to the majors, he hit a 465-foot home run into the "Dew Deck" in the right-field bleachers of the stadium, helping the Brewers to a 4–1 win. Branyan finished the season with 12 home runs, and 20 RBIs in 132 at bats. He appeared in 50 games with the Brewers, including 35 starts; 33 at third base, and 2 at first base. He became the first player in franchise history to hit 10 home runs while playing 20 or fewer games in a season. He batted .455 with two homers as a pinch hitter.
Seattle Mariners
Branyan signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners on December 3, 2008. The Mariners gave him the starting first base job before spring training. At the end of the 2009 season, Branyan was the team leader in home runs. Branyan stated one of the keys to his success with the Mariners was a vision training program with ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
ophthalmologist Dr. Barry Seiller. The exercises strengthen eye muscles and improve focus at the plate. The program is one like designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
Edgar Martínez
Edgar Martinez
Edgar Martínez , nicknamed "Gar" and "Papi", is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and designated hitter. He spent his entire 18-year Major League career with the Seattle Mariners. He is the cousin of Carmelo Martínez.-Seattle Mariners:On December 19, 1982, the Seattle Mariners signed...
used when he played for the Mariners. In Branyan's first at-bat of the game on August 7, he hit a home run. This was his 25th home run on the year, but it also set a new career high. The previous, 24, was achieved during the 2002 season. He has also set career records in in RBIs, doubles, hits, runs and total bases in the 2009 season.
On August 9, , Branyan hit a grand slam
Grand slam (baseball)
In the sport of baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners , thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves...
in the bottom of the sixth inning, this was his first hit in eleven at-bats and his fourth career grand slam. Branyan was often placed in the number two spot in the batting order
Batting order (baseball)
The batting order, or batting lineup, in baseball is the sequence in which the nine members of the offense take their turns in batting against the pitcher. The batting order is the main component of a team's offensive strategy. The batting order is set by the manager before the game begins...
in 2009 compared to the fourth spot, where managers typically put power hitters. The reason for this was because Branyan expressed discomfort with the cleanup
Cleanup hitter
In baseball, the cleanup hitter is the hitter who bats fourth in the lineup. Although the third man up is generally the hitter with the highest batting average, cleanup hitters often have the most power on the team and are typically the team's best power hitter; their job is to "clean up the...
role because of the excessive work load.
Herniated Disk
Branyan was placed on the disabled list on August 30, with a herniated disk in his back. He had stated that he had been bothered by lower back spasms throughout the season. He left the game against the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
after experiencing pain on a swing and underwent an MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
the next day. On September 27 the Mariners' manager Don Wakamatsu
Don Wakamatsu
Wilbur Donald "Don" Wakamatsu is a former Major League Baseball catcher and manager. He was the manager of the Seattle Mariners for the season, as well as the majority of the season...
acknowledged it was unlikely that Branyan would be rejoining the Mariners in . However, Branyan was reinstated form the disabled list on September 30 and said there might be a possibility of him playing before the end of the season.
Branyan never played for the Mariners again in 2009 after going on the disabled list, he finished the season with a .251 batting average, 31 home runs, 21 doubles, one triple, 108 hits, 224 total bases in 116 games. On the defensive side he had a .990 fielding percentage with 10 errors (tied for most in the league for a first baseman) in 116 games at first base, all starts.
2009–2010 free agency
On November 5, 2009, it was reported that Branyan had shown interest in returning for the Mariners in . There was no comment from Mariners' general manager Jack ZduriencikJack Zduriencik
John A. “Jack” Zduriencik is the General Manager of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.-Career:Jack Zduriencik began his career in professional baseball as a second baseman in the Chicago White Sox farm system...
, but on the possible return, Branyan said:
Branyan rejected a one-year offer from the Mariners on November 10. He stated that the reason for the decline was because he wanted a contract that lasted for more than one year, possibly a two or three-year contract. Branyan also stated that he still wanted to return to Seattle, but would rather test the free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
market than settle for anything less than a two-year contract. On January 7, 2010, the Seattle Mariners traded infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
Bill Hall for first baseman Casey Kotchman
Casey Kotchman
Casey John Kotchman is an American Major League Baseball first baseman.-High school:He was on the 2001 national champion team of Seminole High School in Seminole, Florida.-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:...
. For Branyan, this meant it was unlikely the Mariners would offer him a new contract as Kotchman would be the likely candidate for the starting job at first base, vacated by Branyan. On February 2, 2010, ESPN.com
ESPN.com
ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN and a division of ESPN Inc. Since launching in 1995 as ESPNet.SportsZone.com, the website has developed numerous sections including: Page 2, SportsNation, ESPN 3.com, ESPN Motion, My ESPN, ESPN Sports Travel, ESPN Video Games, ESPN Insider, ESPN.com's...
reported that the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
had offered a one-year contract to Branyan. On February 5, a conflicting report stated that the Marlins had not offered Branyan a contract. On February 9, Foxsports.com
Foxsports.com
Foxsports.com provides sports news, scores, sports statistics, sports and entertainment video, sports fantasy leagues and fantasy information. Launched in July 2001, it is a unit of Fox Interactive Media, which also includes other News Corporation online businesses, including MySpace, IGN...
reported that Branyan has drawn interest from both the Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Joe Frisaro, writer for MLB.com, reported on February 13, that the Marlins were not interested in signing Branyan. It was reported by Foxsports.com on February 16, that the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
, the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, and the Cleveland Indians were interested in signing Branyan. That day, the Indians offered Branyan a one-year major league contract, according to MLB.com. On February 17, it was reported by Foxsports.com that the Red Sox were no longer interested in Branyan.
Return to the Cleveland Indians
On February 19, 2010, Branyan accepted a one year, $2 million contract with a $5 million option for 2011 from the Cleveland Indians. Slated to be a starter on the club, he was set to begin the season on the disabled listDisabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
as of March 29, 2010
Seattle Mariners, second tenure
On June 26, 2010, Branyan was traded back to Seattle for minor leaguers Ezequiel CarreraEzequiel Carrera
Ezequiel Manuel Carrera is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Cleveland Indians. He was the starting outfielder for the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. He was signed with the New York Mets as a non-drafted free agent on April 4,...
and Juan Díaz.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On February 16, 2011, Branyan signed a minor league contract with the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
with an invitation to Spring Training. He made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster. To clear up the three-way traffic jam at first base with Juan Miranda
Juan Miranda
Juan Miguel Miranda is a Cuban Major League Baseball first baseman.-Cuba:The 5-foot-11 Miranda batted .303 with 27 homers for Pinar Del Rio in Cuba's Serie Nacional from to . Miranda was on the Cuban national team.He defected to the Dominican Republic in early 2004, on his seventh attempt...
and Xavier Nady
Xavier Nady
Xavier Clifford Nady VI is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman, who is a free agent.-Amateur career:The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted Nady in the 4th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft after he was named Northern California Player of the Year in his senior...
, Branyan was released on May 21, 2011. Micah Owings
Micah Owings
Micah Burton Owings is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher currently pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks....
was called up to take his spot.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Branyan was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
on May 26, 2011. He made his first appearance at the plate on that same day, hitting a deep fly ball to dead center field in a pinch-hit appearance. However, Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
outfielder Coco Crisp
Coco Crisp
Covelli Loyce "Coco" Crisp is an American professional baseball center fielder. Crisp is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...
tracked the ball down in the sun to end the game.
Long home runs at New Yankee Stadium
Branyan has also gained recognition for hitting two of the longest home runs at the New Yankee Stadium. The first came in 2009, when he hit a home run off of the restaurant suite in center field. In 2010, he hit a shot into the right field upper deck off of Javier Vazquez. Thus far, he is the only player to accompolish these two feats in official game play.Personal
He resides in Franklin, TennesseeFranklin, Tennessee
Franklin is a city within and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 62,487 as of the 2010 census Franklin is located approximately south of downtown Nashville.-History:...
with his wife Jill, with whom he has three children: daughters Kylie and Quinn, and son Cash. Cash was named after Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
, of whom Branyan is a fan.
On January 31, 2008, Branyan was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife, Jill. According to police accounts, officers were called to a parking lot of a police station after an officer found Jill Branyan sitting alone in her car, crying. The couple had gone to The Cowboy restaurant in Bainbridge, Ohio
Bainbridge Township, Geauga County, Ohio
Bainbridge Township is one of the sixteen townships of Geauga County, Ohio, United States. The 2000 census found 10,916 people in the township.-Geography:Located in the southwestern corner of the county, it borders the following townships and cities:...
and reportedly argued on the way home. At some point, Russell Branyan, who was driving, allegedly put his hand on Jill's face, causing her to have a cut lip. The force of the grab caused her to develop a swollen lip and some bleeding. When the couple entered their home, Jill's mother saw the injury and said she, Jill, and the children, should leave the home for the evening and go to her house.
Branyan entered a "not guilty" plea in Shaker Heights Municipal Court on February 5, 2008, charged with one count of domestic violence. Branyan's attorney, Philip Kushner, and Pepper Pike Prosecutor Jonathan D. Greenberg agreed to terms of a temporary protection order against Branyan that protected Branyan's wife and their two children. The order required Branyan to turn over his keys and garage door openers to both of the couple's homes in Pepper Pike and in Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is a city within and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 62,487 as of the 2010 census Franklin is located approximately south of downtown Nashville.-History:...
, and ordered him not to be within 500 feet of his wife or either of his two children. The order did not allow Branyan any visitation rights with his children and prohibited him from consuming any alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
or illegal drugs
Recreational drug use
Recreational drug use is the use of a drug, usually psychoactive, with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. Such use is controversial, however, often being considered to be also drug abuse, and it is often illegal...
at any time.