Brad Harman has done it all.
He’s played for his country on the biggest stage in the world, he’s one of 33 Australians to play in Major League Baseball, and he’s a graduate of the MLB Australian Academy Program.
Harman is widely regarded as one of the best infielders Australia has ever produced, and he says his MLBAAP experience in 2003 gave him an insight into the day-to-day life of a professional baseballer.
“The Academy gave me a really well-rounded experience,” Harman said.
“When I was going through the early stages of professional baseball, I was able to look back at my experiences at the Academy. It gave me a great indication of what life in pro-ball was all about.”
Harman made his debut for Team Australia in the 2005 Baseball World Cup, which started an extensive career in the green and gold. More recently, Harman was outstanding at his third World Baseball Classic, holding down the middle infield, turning slick double plays and reaching base safely in all three of Australia’s pool games.
A six year career in the Phillies organisation was highlighted in 2008, when a 22 year old Harman made his debut in the MLB. Harman was one of the rare few that was signed a professional contract before attending the MLBAAP, and his advice for this year’s crop of attendees is candid and insightful.
“You’ve really got to manage your personal expectations at the Academy,” Harman said.
“One bad week on the field isn’t going to define you as a baseball player. It’s common for young players to put a lot of pressure on themselves, but at the end of the day, you’ve got so many great coaches to learn from. Take it all in, keep an open mind and absorb as much knowledge as you can, because you’re surrounded by the top coaches and players in the country.”
The 2017 MLB Australian Academy begins on Friday 28 July at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club. Click here to keep up to date with the live scoring, statistics and match reports.