As a kid, Brian Rey got into some trouble playing the game he loves—baseball.
In his wake, smudged walls and broken windows. It was the result of throwing balls against walls to practice.
These days, the only trouble Rey is causing is for opposing pitchers.
Last year, as a freshman at Miami Dade College, the center fielder flourished. He battered opposing pitchers with a .404 batting average, six home runs, 38 RBI, 30 runs scored and a .603 slugging percentage.
“In order for us to have a special season, he needs to be special like he was last year,” said Sharks assistant baseball coach Adrian Morales. “Especially with all the talent that is around him. If he stays disciplined and smart, he should have an even better year.”
Born in Chicago but raised in Deltona, Florida, Rey began his baseball career playing at Dewey O. Booster Park for the Carolina Tar Heels little league team.
“My dad [Orlando Rey] loved baseball but never really had the talent to play at a competitive level so when he saw that I could play a little bit he saw his dream in me,” Rey said. “My dad and my mom [Maritza Feliciano] have made many sacrifices to make sure I got to every practice and game that I had, and for that I am grateful.”
At Deltona High School, Rey made the All-County team all four years, winning two district championships. In 2016, he was awarded Florida Region All-High School Senior 2nd Team by Perfect Game.
Rey originally committed to play at the University of North Florida but changed his mind and opted to play at MDC instead hoping to land a scholarship at a bigger school. It seems to have been a good gamble. Rey is committed to play at North Carolina State University next year.
“At MDC, it’s been a great step of the learning process in baseball because you learn how to grow as a ball player and person here through failure and experience,” Rey said. “My teammates here at Miami Dade are great guys who are competitive and who love to win. We’re all set on a goal this year and I’m glad to be surrounded by those on the same mission as myself.”
Teammates gravitate toward him because he elevates the team morale and performance. This season, he is hitting .395 with 10 RBI and 12 runs scored in eight games, sparking the Sharks’ 8-0 start.
“I knew instantly we’d be really good friends,” Sharks sophomore closer Garrett Bye said. “Can’t say enough about him. Brian really is a natural leader. He shows up with the same energy and positive mindset everyday and really serves as someone people can look at as a model of what a successful, hardworking player is and should be doing.”
The Sharks’ next game as at the Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104th St., baseball field on Feb. 14 versus ASA College at 2 p.m.
