Pearson Saw Something Different In Maryland

WARWICK, R.I. - There was something unique about Maryland in the eyes of Braxton Pearson.

The Bishop Hendricken freshman had talked to other schools prior to Maryland, but the Big 10 university had a better vibe according to the third-ranked 2024 right-handed pitcher in New England.

“A couple of weeks after my first PBR I started talking to them consistently,” related Pearson, who credited his high school coach with being “instrumental” in the connection with Maryland. “It was different from other schools. They really cared about me. A lot of that went into the decision to commit there. My parents trusted that it was the right decision for me. It was in my heart.”

The idea of being part of a college program has been there for some time according to Pearson.

“Since I was 10-years-old, I’ve always known I wanted to play college baseball,” the eighth-rated New England freshman related. “I have the drive to get better and keep getting better.”

Performance, admittedly, made it more realistic.

“I was dominating in middle schools,” Pearson reflected. “I started playing against older kids and was still striking them out with ease, After that I’m starting to think … this is real.”

Maryland saw that was the case in the 6-1 161-pounder.

“They like my arm action with how young I am,” noted Pearson, who also had interest from Duke and Boston College. “They like how loose I am in my arm and that the movements are good for someone my age. They also like my grades. I’m a 4.0. They had me watch videos and they graded me on how I watched them.”

The 14-year-old passed the test, just like he did in dealing with the coronavirus.

“When that happened I decided to focus on the small details,” Pearson explained. “I couldn’t get in the gym so I asked my position coach for workouts to do at home, so I actually was getting better at that time. Most of the kids were taking time off, but I kept working.”

Shooter Hunt, PBR National Crosschecker, came away impressed with what he saw in Pearson.

“Long, lean, and projectable, Pearson’s 6-foot-2, 161-pound frame is just starting to fill out, and will likely see significant strength added in coming years,” Hunt said back in October in looking at eight collegiate prospects on D1Baseball’s list of Top 150 Prospects. “The big right-hander has a clean arm stroke that works continuously and controlled before exhibiting quickness out front. With minimal effort, Pearson recently ran his fastball up to 82 mph in a bullpen setting for PBR New England, and there is likely much more on the way given his athleticism and present ability to replicate movement patterns. With a fast arm, projectable frame and athleticism, Pearson is clearly a pitcher that college coaches will want to follow in the future.” 

That proved to be the case and three months later came a commitment with Maryland, a school located six hours from Pearson’s home in Rhode Island.

“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Pearson said of making the decision at such a young age. “It had it on both the academic and baseball side of things. I probably couldn’t find anything better than this with a culture like this, so now was the right time instead of waiting until my junior year when I got offers.”

The second-ranked 2024 player in Rhode Island enjoyed the recruiting process when it came to Maryland.

“With some other schools it was more personal stuff with how it’s going,” Pearson pointed out. “With Maryland, they were making sure I’m getting better and learning, and I liked that.”

Pearson credited his pitching coach John DeRouin with playing a major role in helping him get where he is in the game today.

“John getting into the mental side of things really was beneficial,” Pearson explained. “That’s a big thing at Maryland, too. There’s that side of baseball, it’s not just the physical side.

“I also had help from the kids I work out with,” Pearson added. “A lot of them are committed to big schools and they all were really supporting.”

Pearson is very confident about fitting in well at the next level.

“I’m dominant now and believe I will be a starting pitcher, a Friday night guy,” Pearson said. “I’m someone who stays in the gym, you can’t take days off. If you do that, there’s always someone in the gym getting better than you.”

Business or a program in law are being considered as a major for Pearson, who is excited about the future after taking a virtual tour of Maryland as well as checking out the facilities at the college during a personal visit.

“I love the school, it’s been one of my dream schools,” Pearson concluded. “Now that I know about the statistics there and the culture, I’m happy that I don’t have to worry about it for the next four years. It’s relieving to know I’ll be going to a good academic school as well as baseball school.”