Catcher is Brewer’s favorite position. It allows him to see the entire field — and, more importantly, to lead it.
From working with pitchers to flashing signs and monitoring baserunners, the role comes with responsibility. Brewer thrives on it, embracing the leadership that comes with the gear.
“It makes me know that I have to set a better example for [my teammates],” Brewer said. “If I strike out, I can't throw anything and I can't get down, because I have to show them how to be.”
That mindset was on full display during the fifth inning of the Pioneers’ matchup with the Anderson Monarchs 13u at FDR Park.
With two outs and runners on second and third, Brewer came to the plate looking to spark a rally. He struck out swinging to end the inning — but when he returned to the dugout, he didn’t flinch. He quickly strapped on his gear, jogged back to the field, and crouched behind the plate, ready for the next frame.
That level-headedness paid off.
The Monarchs loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half, threatening to break the game open. The next batter hit a grounder to third. Brewer popped up, took the throw for the force at home, then fired to first to complete a clutch, inning-ending double play.
“I’m just thinking about the next play,” Brewer said. “What can I do better next time and just forget about if I lined out, if I struck out or flew out. What can I do next time to make it better?”
This is Brewer’s first summer with the Pioneers, but already he’s become a central part of a team that’s found success — and fun — through camaraderie.
Though he knew only a few teammates before the season began, the group has quickly grown tight. Even during tense moments in their 4-3 loss to the Monarchs, the Pioneers kept things loose — often with Brewer in the middle of it all.
“It's really cool to watch them all grow together,” said Brewer’s mom, Aubrey. “They all really like each other and you can tell, even when things aren't going well, no one's getting upset with each other. They're just having a good time. I've really enjoyed the season and watching Danny get to make some new friendships.”
That bond was evident as Brewer walked over for a postgame interview, smiling and shaking his head as his teammates shouted from the dugout.
“Shout me out, Danny!” several called behind him.
Playing with the Pioneers has also pushed Brewer to grow on and off the field. The increased competition has sharpened his game, and the team’s work ethic has helped him build better habits.
“It's not just that he's gonna be playing baseball, but he sees the value in going to the gym,” Aubrey said. “Now there are other things that maybe before, when he was younger, he didn't realize were important, but now he knows, ‘All right, I don't need to just have a baseball in my hand, I need to be working out or doing something else.’”
As the summer winds down and the playoffs approach, Brewer’s leadership will only become more crucial. Even when the bat goes quiet, his effort never does. He keeps his cool, does his job, and sets the tone — a trait he’s carried for years.
“Over the years, he's had all different coaches talk about how he always takes the initiative,” Aubrey said. “When it's time to come off the field, go on the field, in team huddles, he's always the first one there. He’s always the first one who wants to do everything.”
