A Record‑Breaking Season
Brayden Harris, a senior pitcher for St. Johns Country Day School, was recently named the All‑First Coast player of the year after leading his team to a state championship.
His performance was highlighted by a 526‑career strikeout total, which eclipsed the previous record held by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.
At the plate, Harris batted .400 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs, showcasing a rare blend of power and precision for a pitcher.
On the mound, he finished the season 12‑2 with a 1.07 ERA and a 0.753 WHIP, and he famously threw 45 pitches in the Class 1A semifinal before returning two days later to start and win the championship game.
The accolade marks the first time in 40 years that a player has been selected back‑to‑back Times‑Union player of the year in baseball.
Combining his junior and senior seasons, Harris posted a 23‑2 record with 314 strikeouts and an 0.82 ERA, underscoring his consistency across two years.
He has committed to Florida State, where he will join the program coached by Link Jarrett, a partnership that has drawn excitement from both the university and local fans.
Professional scouts have taken notice, inviting him to the MLB Draft Combine in Arizona and sparking discussions about his potential at the next level.
With a strong work ethic and a record that speaks for itself, Harris is expected to make a significant impact in the coming years, both on the collegiate stage and possibly in the majors.