Former Waynesboro General Michael Brosseau (2015) hit a game-winning solo home run against the New York Yankees last night, sending the Tampa Bay Rays to the ALCS against the Houston Astros.

On the 10th pitch in the epic at-bat, which included two pitches just millimeters off the plate and a loud foul ball down the left-field line, Brosseau lined Aroldis Chapman’s 100.2 mph fastball over Brett Gardner’s head into the stands. (By the way, Gardner also played in the Valley League- for the 2003 New Market squad.)

The home run was all the more sweeter because it was Chapman who chose to throw at the head of Brosseau back on September 1st, increasing the rivalry between these two rather disparate clubs.

Back in 2015, Brosseau was a regular for the Generals, putting up a slash line of .298/.351/.430 in 151 at-bats, with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs, a 14/19 BB/K ratio, and 13 stolen bases. He returned to Oakland for his senior year in 2016, but went undrafted. The Rays reached out and signed him as a free agent for $1,000. (And in case you’re wondering, it does not seem like Brosseau would have even received a chance at pro ball under the new system proposed by MLB.)

Now the whole baseball world is talking about him!

Other VBLers in Championship Series

  • Chris Devenski (Woodstock 2011) is on the Houston Astros, but is not active.
  • Ryan Yarbrough (Luray 2012) is active for Tampa Bay.
  • **Additions** Kyle Snyder (Winchester 1997) is Tampa Bay’s Pitching Coach.
  • Brian Snitker (Staunton 1976-77) is Atlanta’s manager.