Drafted into the MLB

Did you hear it? Did you hear the joyful chants of “Moose!” filling the air on July 15?

That was the sound of Brooksians near and far celebrating after the L.A. Dodgers selected Seamus Barrett ’20 in the Major League Baseball draft.

Credit: Official Instagram for the 2023 WCC Regular Season Champion Loyola Marymount University Baseball team.

The pitcher — whose name evolved from Seamus to “Shay-Moose” to simply “Moose” during his second year at Brooks — was scooped up in round 10 with the 310th overall pick. (The nickname “stuck quickly as he’s 6-foot-7,” revealed former Brooks baseball coach, Dean of College Counseling Andy Campbell).

“Seamus had mentioned that he works out with major league clubs and all of us were hoping his name would be called,” said Campbell, recalling that the right-hander “had a heck of a fastball” even back in his high school days.

The final game Barrett pitched at Brooks, as a fifth former in 2019 (because Covid prevented playing in 2020), he struck out 10 batters. “It was an amazing performance against the league's best,” said the coach.  

Two years at the University of Louisville followed before Barrett transferred to Loyola Marymount University, where he earned a 4.78 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 14 walks in 43 1/3 innings in his senior year this spring.

The Arlington, Mass., native graduated in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Information Systems and Business Analytics.  

Throughout his moves “Moose” stayed in touch with a number of his Brooks teammates who have been proudly following his career. One informed their former coach of the draft news via text on the big day.

“I almost jumped out of my shoes,” said Campbell (shown above with Barrett in top photo). “I mean, the Los Angeles Dodgers ... Are you kidding me? We are all so excited for him! He's worked so hard and has always had so much respect for the sport, for his teammates and his family.”

Clearly, Barrett’s work ethic has served him well. “I'm not sure I have ever heard a single complaint come from him in anytime that I've known him,” notes Campbell, praising the athlete’s kindness and humility. “His vibe has always been, ‘That's that. Move on to the next thing and if you work hard, are grateful for what you have, be kind and put your head down and keep at it, good things will come.’”

Former relief pitcher Mike Johnson ’09, who played for several years in the Dodgers organization, passed along his congratulations, too, and offered some advice for Barrett.

“It's a strong organization and the people are top notch there,” Johnson said. “My piece of advice would be to always remember: Good pitches get good hitters out and to cherish every opportunity he has to put the uniform on.”

He'll certainly be cheered on from Great Pond Road. “All those who were a part of Seamus’s Brooks experience are so happy to have witnessed his journey to date,” said Campbell. “It's possible that this is something that becomes very, very special and it really couldn't be happening to a nicer person.”