Alemanys Brody Thompson is ready to finally play | College News

It didn’t have to be. Brody Thompson may have stayed at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, the place he was the beginning catcher final season. Then his father, Randy, an assistant coach for the Knights, determined to settle for the job as athletic director and coach at Bishop Alemany, the place he had been for years earlier than.

His household had no intention of transferring. It was too costly to change residences, so if Brody determined to be a part of his father, possibilities have been the Southern Section would make him sit out half his junior season below switch guidelines.

“He was doing well at Notre Dame,” Randy mentioned. “He wanted to play for his father. It was his decision.”

The household appealed to the Southern Section. This wasn’t an athletically motivated switch, one thing the principles are designed to stop. Even Notre Dame coach Tom Dill wrote a letter in help of the switch.

“As a coach and father, I understand how critical it is for Brody to play for his father during this important stage of his life,” Dill wrote. “Randy has dedicated his life to the well-being and development of countless student-athletes. Now his son deserves the opportunity to benefit from his guidance in this critical junior year without the disruption of a sit-out period.”

The appeal was denied, so Brody is sitting out 13 video games till he turns into eligible April 1 to play in opposition to — you guessed it — Notre Dame.

“It’s been tough,” Brody mentioned. “I’ve never really sat for an extended period of time. Thank God I’ve never had an injury. It’s been an adjustment.”

He’s tried to be the best potential teammate, energized on the bench whereas serving to keep observe of pitches. But son and pop have been hurting.

“Any time you see your son struggling and hurting because he’s not able to do what he loves to do, that’s tough as a father,” Randy mentioned. “This was not an athletically motivated move. When the rules are being passed and enforced, the intent is to make sure kids aren’t bouncing around for athletic reasons. We were honest. We weren’t moving. I have no regrets how we handled it. I’ve always been up front. I wish the outcome would have been different.”

The wait is nearly over. To say that Brody is obsessed with baseball can be an understatement.

“I’ve said if Brody is a teammate of yours, you’ll love playing with him,” Randy mentioned. “if you’re on the other side, you probably won’t like Brody.”

Pitching coach Blaine Traxel could have the walkie-talkie to relay pitches to Brody, who shall be sporting the earpiece behind home plate. The massive query is what occurs when the coach’s voice out of the blue is heard.

“Unfortunately there’s no mute button,” Brody mentioned jokingly. “If he’s grabbing the walkie-talkie, it’s something important.”

The household has handled far more than a son having to sit out for transferring. Randy’s oldest son, Tyler, overcame most cancers.

Randy and Brody are ready to have some enjoyable again. Alemany and Notre Dame have modified their indicators, so let everybody get pleasure from attempting to determine pitches, bunts and steals.

“I’m excited to get back out there,” Brody mentioned.

Said Randy: “It’s going to be a very emotional day for Brody. He’s still friends with a lot of the Notre Dame guys.”