BROWN’S INSPIRING STORY: From struggling freshman to state semis starter

For all those young, struggling high school pitchers, there is hope.

And his name is Justin Brown.

The personable senior is slated to be Northville’s starting pitcher in Thursday’s MHSAA Division 1 state semifinal game against Bay City Western — a scenario he never could have imagined a few years ago.

“Frankly, when I was a freshman, I wasn’t even sure I’d ever make the varsity team,” revealed Brown. “I definitely didn’t think I’d one day be pitching in college. I was far from a standout.”

Following his freshman season, Brown decided to go all-in on investing in his future on the mound.

“The summer after my freshman year here, I took it to heart to work harder toward my dream of being a varsity pitcher,” he said. “I worked out a lot more, got bigger and stronger. I guess you could say I put all my eggs in one basket that summer.”

Hard work paying off

Those eggs have been hatching for the past two seasons.

With three of the Mustangs’ top six pitchers sidelined this season by injuries, Brown has flourished, posting an 8-2 record (with one save), and a minuscule 1.68 earned run average with 78 strikeouts in 58 and 1/3 innings pitched.

Given his mound history, Brown’s most impressive stat are his five complete games — a vital feat considering the staff’s diminished depth.

“Coming into this season, I had never thrown a complete game in my life, not even when I was playing travel baseball,” he revealed, smiling. “When I was younger, my arm would get sore after four or five innings, or whatever. So, I’d have to say I’m most proud of completing games.”

Northville’s first-year Hall of Fame head coach Dan Cimini said he and Brown shared a long conversation in the weeks leading up to the 2024 season.

“We talked about the importance of him remaining healthy, being mentally tough and fighting through adversity,” Cimini said.

“Justin threw a complete game his second start of the season (a 5-0 victory over a solid Brighton team). My mentality is I want my pitchers to throw complete games if they can because it solidifies the staff. After the game, he told me, ‘Coach, that was my first complete game ever’, which was surprising and encouraging at the same time.

“Ever since that Brighton game, he’s been like, ‘Give me the ball, coach!’ He’s been healthy, he’s always in great spirits and he’s a mature, team-first guy.”

Brown said he learned the art of pitching from his dad, Matt Brown, who coached him as a kid.

“My dad helped me a lot with my mechanics and just the philosophy of becoming a better pitcher,” Brown said. “My dad was skinny like I was when he was young, so I’m like his little prototype.”

He added that his mom, Jaime, is his co-biggest fan along with his dad.

Brown, who lights up radar guns to the tune of 93 miles per hour — “But I live at 89-91,” he shared — has committed to pitch for and study at the University of Michigan beginning this fall.

“I am so stoked to pitch for Michigan,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what (U of M pitching coach) Brock Huntzinger has in store for me.”

‘Band of Brothers’

Brown emphasized the Mustangs are not in the “Final Four” simply because they’re talented.

“Me and my teammates are like a band of brothers, on and off the field,” he said. “We grew up together, we’re all tight friends. That helps because we all know what to expect from our teammates.”

The opening pitch of Thursday’s MHSAA D1 semifinal game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Michigan State University’s Drayton McLane Baseball Stadium.

And it will be thrown by a young man who never would have dreamed of pitching in Michigan high school baseball’s “Final Four” just a few years ago.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.