Brad was born May 20, 1984 in St. Louis, Missouri. Being the first grandchild on his mother’s family’s side, his grandfather, Bill Wirtel, became Brad’s biggest fan. At two days old he received a Rawlings full size fielder’s mitt. Even as a small child his love of sports was evident. Playing ball was one of his favorite pastimes and he learned to catch and throw very early. He and his younger brother Ben played ball outside every chance they could.
He grew up playing first tee-ball, then little league at our church. It was evident early on that he had some baseball talent. He was then asked to play on a team at a local little league park. He advanced to a traveling team and played baseball all over the Midwest. He was fortunate to have some great coaches during these formative years and I would like to mention them and say thanks for all the help and support.
Chet Pleban; Jim Feeney; Mark Curry, and the late Marty Tesson. These men were very influential in Brad’s early development as a ball player. There are many more people who gave their time and expertise to help these young ball players and I thank them too.
As a teenager Brad played baseball in the SLABA (St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association) it was at this level that Brad began to develop as a pitcher. His coaches, Chet Pleban and Jim Muskopf were convinced he may have talent as a pitcher so he began taking lessons. He was developing well but it wasn’t until high school that he really began to show his true pitching talent.
HIGH SCHOOL
Christian Brothers College High School
Brad went to high school in 1999. His freshman year he started at Jr. Varsity and then moved up to Varsity for the remainder of his 4 years there.
In his junior year Brad got his first start against the #1 rated team in his league and led the CBC Cadets to a 7-6 victory. In a championship game against rival DeSmet, Brad pitched a 5-1 victory striking out 11. He also had a key hit in the game. As a Jr. Brad was throwing 86mph, the fastest throwing Jr. CBC had ever had at the time. He also Hit .300 and was considered above average as a fielder. He finished with career numbers as a Jr. a record of 3-2, and ERA of 1.87, Sr. 4-5, ERA 2.90. He holds records at his high school of #7 overall of strikeouts in a year with 68, and career strikeouts he is #6 with 107. He finished with a batting average of .291.
Brad signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Quincy University.
SUMMER BASEBALL 2003
American Legion Post 299
The summer before college Brad played Legion ball with a team built around strong pitching. Three members of that winning team were drafted by MLB teams; Josh Morgan with the Oakland A’s, Ron Martin with the Tigers and Brad with the Florida Marlins. This team was impressive. They played strong and ended the first month with a record of 11-3. They won the Litchfield tournament by going 3-1. Brad and Ron Martin combined for a no-hitter needing only 63 pitches combined to get the win. Josh Morgan another starting pitcher led the offense with a triple and 2 RBI’s.
In July, the AB post 299 won their own tournament for the first time in 11 years. This tournament is always billed as the toughest one of the season. Mike Clinton, the AB coach faced a tough decision. All three of the top pitchers, Brad, Josh Morgan and Ron Martin were demanding the ball. About 15 minutes before the game Brad was told he would start, but if he ran into any trouble he would be replaced by Martin. Brad did not disappoint. He pitched out of a major jam in the first and then put it in to cruise control striking out 7 including the side in the first and third innings. And, again, (Brads good friend since they were 6 years old,) Josh Morgan was an offensive catalyst going 3-3 with a triple and three RBI’s.
Many thanks to Mike Clifton and his father, longtime AB coach Ron Clifton for their dedication and support of American Legion baseball. Brad was fortunate to have had an opportunity to play ball for these gentlemen and we will always be grateful to them, not only for an amazing season, but for the friendship and guidance. Mike and Ron are both humble about their abilities, but had tremendous rapport with the boys and are diligent in helping them build on their talents and get them ready for the next level of baseball.
COLLEGE
Quincy University, Quincy IL.
Brad went to Quincy University, a wood bat league in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. He began as a starting pitcher his freshman year. In his three years there Brad experienced some of the best baseball of his career to this point. He was coached by Greg McVey and Brian Unger. They were both very supportive and great coaches. The Stone family owes them both a huge thank you.
Brad owns several career records at QU, and he achieved them in only three seasons as he was drafted to the major leagues after his Jr. Year. Brad pitched his first no-hitter in their 2006 season opener with a 14-0 victory. Greg McVey, QU head coach said” Brad pitched a great game. His fast ball was electric. He was throwing the ball by guys, he overmatched at the plate. His fastball just had that little extra umph on it.” Brad finished his career at Quincy with a record of 22 wins and 10 losses, and an ERA of 2.83.
Quincy University Baseball
Career Individual Pitching Records
(Minimum of 150 Innings Pitched)
During his time in the GLVC Brad was named pitcher of the week once and was named First Team All Conference in 2005, and 2006, 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Region, and Honorable Mention All-America.
NCAA/SUMMER BALL
In 2004, after his first year of college ball, Brad was signed to play NCAA ball with the Quincy Gems of the CICL. The Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL) is one of ten summer collegiate baseball leagues affiliated with the National Association of Summer Collegiate Baseball (NASCB). He was a starting pitcher and was named pitcher of the week in the CICL twice.
Summer 2005 Brad was signed to play ball for the Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plains League. He was a starting pitcher and was named to the CPL All Star Team. Brad had the opportunity to play with some great ball players several who have gone on to careers in MLB. He was a member of the 2005 Coastal Plains League Championship team. It was during this time that Brad lived with a host family who have become some of our close friends and Brads ‘North Carolina’ family. The Bass family, Tommy, Jamie, Anna and Jonathon are great friends and fans of baseball and the Stone family will always be grateful for the love and support that have so graciously given. (Here are pictures of the Bass family)
On June 6, 2006 Brad was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 12th round.