From the Samford Bulldogs to the Mets, Branden Fryman is back at Samford as an assistant baseball coach.
Fryman played on the Samford Baseball team from 2017-2019 before being drafted by the Mets in the 21st round. Fryman made great use of his time at Samford helping lead the Bulldogs to the SoCon Tournament Championship in 2018 and to a season title in 2019.
Fryman’s stats in his 2019 season are what got him to the Mets. With 63 hits, seven doubles, four home runs, 29 RBI’s and a batting average of .323, he earned his spot on the team.
During his time with the Mets, Fryman was able to be a part of the team that won the New York Penn League title. After being released from the team in 2023, Fryman re-enrolled as a student to finish his degree for the 23-24 school year. This year, when a job opened for an assistant coach for the baseball team, Fryman was asked to take the position.
“I have experienced what the players are experiencing,” he said.
Brayden Broome, a fifth year on the baseball team, although sad to see the previous assistant coach, Cam Shepherd go, is excited for what Fryman brings to the table.
“With him being fresh out of the MLB, he brings better understanding and relates more to us as a player,” Broome said.
Since being back with the team, Fryman has helped head coach Tony David in the infield being his “sidekick” and giving tips in the outfield. Broome said that it is easy for Fryman to approach them and give them personal, individual help and insight.
It is Fryman’s forte to help with the specific adjustments and having a keen eye to aid each player with their game.
As a player for the Mets, Fryman learned hard work and discipline. There was a lot of turnover and new coaches that Fryman had to grow through. Fryman, brings a unique perspective to the team. He’s been where the Bulldogs are now, but he’s also been to the big leagues. He knows what works and what doesn’t and most importantly, he knows what it takes to reach that next level. Having his experience with the Mets be so recent, his dugout talk with the team is fresh and relevant.
Fryman has become an asset to the team as he is helping the players handle the failure that comes with the game.
“He adds to the culture of our team,” Broome said.
Staff Writer
