Pure, unadulterated speed.
And while Brennan Espy from Marshfield, Missouri might not be 5.93-seconds-60-yard-dash fast, as one recruiting site had him clocked at -- which would give him the third-fastest time in the distance in history -- by all accounts he brings plenty of wheels to his outfield position.
Espy, 18, is currently preparing for his freshman season with NCAA Division II Drury University after a standout career with the Marshfield Blue Jays high school team.
The 6-foot-0, 170-pound right-handed hitter was named all-state in his sophomore year as well as all-district and all-conference in his sophomore and junior seasons.
“We have known Brennan for a long time as he has showcased himself to be one of the best athletes in the area across a handful of sports,” said Drury head coach Scott Nasby in announcing Espy’s signing. “His speed and tools are advanced, and we expect him to earn playing time vacated from our senior-heavy outfield as a freshman.”
Espy hit .231 with nine runs batted in and seven stolen bases in his junior season with the Blue Jays and was projected to be a key component for a Marshfield team with high hopes for 2020. Unfortunately, the whole spring season for the school was washed out due to the ongoing pandemic.
“Brennan’s speed in the outfield is a huge advantage as well as his arm,” Jays head coach William Pate said prior to the 2020 campaign on the Ozark’s Sports Zone website. “He has the ability to be a dangerous bat in the lineup.”
Espy is the third player from Drury to sign with the Miller Express, joining sophomore Stephen Randazzo and fellow freshman Wes Collins in making the trip north this summer.
Drury kicks off their season on Mar. 6 against Maryville University.
The Miller Express open their campaign on May 28 when they host the Medicine Hat Mavericks at Ross Wells Park.
