By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Don’t let their 35-75 record over the past four years mislead you. Brandon Lewis has helped lay the tracks for better days ahead at St. Francis. The four-year varsity star is playing for his fourth coach in as many seasons, and is competing in the final three games of his […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Don’t let their 35-75 record over the past four years mislead you.
Brandon Lewis has helped lay the tracks for better days ahead at St. Francis.
The four-year varsity star is playing for his fourth coach in as many seasons, and is competing in the final three games of his prep career this week.
His imprint, though, on the Golden Knights program will be long lasting.
For a guy who hates losing, the past four years could have broken him.
Lewis, however, has used the program’s and his own failures to fuel him.
He works diligently every day and pushes his teammates to do the same, and he’s taken a cerebral approach in dealing with the many setbacks St. Francis has endured.
“For those who know me, they know I hate losing more than anything,” Lewis said. “But despite a lot of losing, every day is a learning experience. I enjoyed my time being a Golden Knight and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I was able to play against some of best competition in Southern California, and I have developed many great friendships through this program that will last a lifetime.”
Lewis struggled his first two years.
As a freshman, Lewis hit just .190, and his batting average dropped 10 points the following season.
Lewis’ stats over the past two years finally resemble the skill set and talent level everyone knew he possessed.
This season, the senior center fielder leads the Golden Knights in seven offensive categories.
He’s first in batting average (.369), hits (24), RBI (17), walks (23), home runs (2), on-base percentage (.549) and slugging percentage (.523).
St. Francis has ridden even more roller coasters this season (on the field) than had they gone to Magic Mountain.
They began the season 0-7, and then won three of their first four Mission League games.
The Golden Knights then lost five consecutive games, and over that stretch, scored one run in 35 innings.
But then they went on to have a solid run as the St. Paul Tournament, including a victory over Long Beach Poly.
While there have been less ups than downs, Lewis and his teammates could match the total amount of Mission League victories over the prior three seasons combined if they’re able to win at least one of their three games with first-place, Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks this week.
Lewis is lauded by his teammates and he’s getting credit for slowly turning the tide at St. Francis, but he’d also be the first, along with his teammates in saying first-year coach Aaron Dorlarque has completely changed the culture for the program.
Dorlarque is a humble and classy man that has the respect of his entire roster.
“The thing that’s different this year that has impacted the team the most is the coaching staff,” Lewis said. “Coach Dorlarque has changed the culture at SF and is a big part of why we are winning. We are all bought into what he’s teaching and we love playing for him. We have a great group of guys and look at each other as brothers. Coach Dorlarque is a perfect fit for this program and will do many great things for this school in the future.”
Lewis credited former teammate Andres Kim for helping teach him the way to become an effective and respected leader.
Kim has made some big news of late as well.
He is the starting second baseman for a Pasadena City College team that not only won their first conference title in 45 years, over the weekend, the Lancers earned their first playoff series victory in 50 years.
Kim set a single-season runs record and and PCC heads to El Camino in the Super Regional this weekend.
“As a player, you could always see that Brandon understood the game more than the guys around him,” Kim said. “His size and power spoke for itself, but what makes him so good is his mental focus. As a person, you couldn’t ask for a better teammate, friend or brother.”
At the moment, Lewis has verbally committed to play at Glendale College next season.
Ask any of his teammates and they’ll tell you Lewis’ work ethic and character are on pace with his incredible physical skills.
But how did he get to this point?
” I would have to say my parents, Cindy and Richard Lewis, guide me to be a good kid, student, and athlete,” he said. “They push me to be the best I can be in everything I do and support me in all my endeavors. My parents have taught me to always be humble in everything I do and to always respect others. When it comes to baseball, my mom is my number one fan, and is always cheering me on. My dad is my greatest mentor, who has taught me everything about this game. I wouldn’t be the young man and type of player I am today without them.”
While the losses were far too many for Lewis’ taste, his maturity and contributions over the past four years are part of the reason why St. Francis will thrive over time under coach Aaron Dorlarque, but also a path to success in life that Lewis himself has helped pave.
Lewis knows his prep career is about 96 hours from being over, and he’ll play each pitch, at-bat and inning like it is his last.
And he also knows what he hopes his legacy is, especially to the younger players he helped mentor.
Said Lewis: ” I hope my teammates remember me for my dedication and work ethic, and that I have for the game. That I always gave it my all every time I stepped foot on the baseball field and had fun while doing it. If there is something I would like to pass down to my younger guys it’s to remind them to never be satisfied and always strive to take your game to the next level.”
Quotable:
St. Francis coach Aaron Dorlarque: ““Brandon is like having another coach on the team. We sat down in August on the first day of school for about an hour to talk about the season, expectations and how we would work together to set the right culture with the baseball program. He is mature beyond his years, possesses incredible physical tools and has tremendous character. I often consult him on team-related matters to make sure the coaching staff has the pulse of the players correct.”
St. Francis shortstop Aaron Treloar: “Brandon is a natural born leader. Ever since we became close, he has always pushed me to be my best. He is a guy I can joke with at any time, but he’s also someone who can have a serious conversation. He is very serious about the team’s work ethic and behavior. He lets his actions and skills speak for themselves. And even with his success that outshines the rest of us, he never acts the least bit like he’s higher or better. Even after a 3 for 3 game, he’ll be in the cages working on his swing. He has motivation that is unrivaled by anyone in the Mission League.”
Former St. Francis infielder Andres Kim: “I’ve played with Brandon since we were 10 and 11 years old and he’s honestly like family to me. As a player, you could always see that he understood the game just a little bit more than the guys around him. The size and power always spoke for themselves, but what makes Brandon such a good baseball player is his mental side and focus. As a person, you can’t ask for a better teammate, friend, and brother, and he’s one of those guys that always has a smile on his face. I’m really glad and proud to see him develop over the years and can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us.”
St. Francis basketball star and close friend, Joey Walsh: ” I’ve known Brandon almost my whole life and we have built such a great friendship. What makes him special as an athlete is his leadership and work ethic. He’s a great leader by example and is a person people look up to. He is such a positive guy and never puts himself first. Brandon is a team player on and off the field. His future is bright.”
Getting To Know Brandon Lewis:
Favorite Athlete: Ken Griffey Jr.
Favorite Team: Dodgers
Favorite Movie: Get Out
Favorite Musical Artist(s): Drake, J Cole, Future
Artist People Might Be Surprised To See On My Ipod: Frank Sinatra
Famous Person (alive or dead) I’d Most Want A Conversation With: Kobe Bryant
Brandon Lewis Career Stats:
Batting Average:
Senior Year: .369
Junior: .341
Sophomore: .180
Freshman: .190
Hits: 73
RBI: 40
Runs: 38
Walks: 61
Mission League Standings:
Notre Dame (19-7 overall, 12-2 in league)
Harvard-Westlake (21-4-2, 12-4-2)
Chaminade (18-8-1, 7-6-1)
Alemany (14-12, 7-8)
St. Francis (8-18, 5-10)
Loyola (9-15-1, 4-10-1)
Crespi (8-15-1, 4-11)
St. Francis’ Remaining Schedule:
May 8: Notre Dame vs St. Francis at Glendale Sports Complex at 3:30
May 10: St. Francis at Notre Dame at 3:30
May 11: Notre Dame vs St. Francis at Glendale Sports Complex at 3:30
