By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
Feb. 6, 2002
This will be a critical spring training for former West Lauderdale pitcher Jamie Brown.
For the first time in his career, Brown is coming off a major arm surgery having undergone "Tommy John" surgery on his elbow four months ago.
Brown has spent six years in the Cleveland Indians organization rising as high as the AAA level. Now, the goal is to maintain his position in the Indians' eyes.
Spring training for Cleveland's minor leaguers will begin on March 1 in Winterhaven, Fla. Before his injury, Brown had enjoyed a steady progress through the ranks,
He's spent two years on the Indians' 40-man protected roster. He has also been invited to the big league team's spring training for the past three years.
His career highlight to date is a 50-day stint with the Indians' AAA affliliate the Buffalo Bison.
Brown was a part of a West Lauderdale dynasty in the early and mid-1990's that won four straight state championships.
After he was done with the Knights, Brown spent a year with Meridian Community College. He then went to Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Fla. He was drafted and then signed by Cleveland following his sophomore season.
Brown credits the change-up as being his out' pitch.
Brown has also enjoyed his time giving back to younger ball players by working the Powell camp.