Cotuit Kettleers Baseball

Sophomore from Ramseur, N.C...Named first team Freshman All American by Collegiate Baseball and third team Freshman All American by Baseball America....Had a 21 game hitting streak as a freshman, which was the longest by an NC State player since 1997 and the longest ever by an NC freshman...High School: Chosen an honorable mention All American by USA Today...Named the 1998 Mid State 2-A Conference Player of the Year...Lead team to the North Carolina 2-A State Championship, named MVP for the state championship series after throwing a no-hitter and belting a triple and home run...Also played football and was conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1997...Played for the Harwich Mariners last summer...Parents Randell and Anita Wright...Stats as of May 1: .363 AVG, 215 AB, 78 Hits, 14 2B, 11 HR, 8-12 SB.

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The Sandwich Enterprise June 23, 2000 by Dan Crowley

Brian Wright Brings Power To The Cotuit Kettleers

Brian knocked out his first homerun of the summer last week, a 335 foot blast. His solid play in the field and his ability to work a count has made him a valuable part of the Kettleer lineup. He was named a first team Freshman All American by Collegiate Baseball and third team Freshman All American by Baseball America. He broke the North Carolina State hitting streak record for a freshman, going 21 games with a hit. He gives Cotuit power and consistency from the left side of the plate.

Career highlight: Pitched a no hitter in his high school state championship, while hitting a triple and a home run. Was named MVP for the state championship series.

This is your second season in the Cape League. How would you describe it to friends back home?

You face some tough pitching and use a wooden bat. You have to try to get noticed. The pace can wear you down, trying to work, workout and play.

Who has taught you the most about baseball?

My dad, Randall, did. We had a batting cage in the backyard and worked a lot on hitting.

Who is your favorite player and favorite team?

I like Ken Griffey, Jr. I don’t really have a favorite team, but it would be nice if the (Montreal) Expos came down.

If you weren’t playing baseball, what sport would you be playing?

I played football, but its not really for me. If I grew up in the north, I think I’d play hockey. I’ve never really skated, but I like the finesse and the contact of the game.

How much different is it to hit with a wooden bat as opposed to aluminum?

With a wooden bat, if you don’t hit the ball on the sweet spot it’s not going anywhere. If you hit a ball on the handle with an aluminum bat you might get it through the infield. With a wooden bat it either breaks or you’re out.

At what point do you think baseball stops becoming a game and starts becoming a business?

When you get to college. When they are paying for your schooling, you have to work hard and perform.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember that it’s just a game.

Who is going to break Mark McGwire’s record of 70 home runs in a major league season?

Mark McGwire will break his own record.

What do you think the future holds for you in baseball?

Hopefully I’ll get drafted next year or in my senior year and see where it takes me. It takes a little luck, but I do really want to play in the big leagues.