- December 22, 2024
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Sam Brodersen, a West Orange High alum and former baseball player for the Warriors, is a right-handed pitcher who played at Wingate University for three seasons before transferring to Louisiana Tech for his senior college campaign.
During the 15th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Brodersen was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals organization with the 441st overall pick. The West Orange native helped lead Wingate to the Division II National Championship as a true freshman in 2021 and earned All-Conference USA First Team honors last season at LA Tech.
Age: 22
Sport: Baseball
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Alma mater: West Orange High
How does it feel to be selected in the MLB Draft?
It feels awesome. A mix of gratitude and happiness. It’s always a good feeling when hard work pays off, but when 15 years of hard work pays off, it’s indescribably rewarding.
What has it been like since being selected?
It’s been busy, but I’ve loved every second. I had a few days to celebrate with my family and soak it in. Then, it was wheels up to Jupiter to get to work.
What has been your favorite part of the experience of being a professional baseball player, so far?
I would say experiencing the feeling of everyone pulling in the same direction. All the staff and players I’ve met so far with the Cardinals are working toward the same goal. Knowing that this is my job now is a crazy feeling; I get to do what I’ve always done and loved — but now I get paid and get to compete at the highest level.
What are you looking forward to the most in your pro baseball journey?
Continuing to compete against the best players in the world. Going head-to-head with All-Stars and future Hall-of-Famers, I can’t wait.
What do you like the most about baseball?
Probably how difficult but rewarding it is. When you play a game as hard as baseball, and a position as hard as pitching, it makes succeeding feel even better.
What is your goal for this upcoming season?
Continue to get acclimated and learn how things are done here. Taking things day-by-day and focusing on the task at hand.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from baseball?
Hard work does pay off. You may not see the fruits of your labor the next day, the next month or even the next year, but you will eventually.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Conor McGregor. I love his mentality/attitude leading up to and during competition.
Favorite baseball memory?
Winning the Division II National Championship in 2021.
What’s your go-to pre-game meal?
Tough to beat a good sandwich — preferably (from) Jersey Mike’s.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
Poker or playing Xbox.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Water, food and fire-starter — so I can survive.
What is your favorite movie?
“Gladiator.” I love history and specifically that time period.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The Roman Empire. I would love to go to the Colosseum.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Stop worrying so much. Have faith in yourself and in God’s plan.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
How do I get better at soaking in the moment?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. It would save me a lot of time and trouble — I think it’d be the most practical.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Rome, Japan and Las Vegas — mainly for the food and to see what all the hype is about.
What is your most controversial food take?
Vegetables are not very good for you.
