The Nevada Sagebrush

First-year Wolf Pack leftfielder Brian Barnett played in all 34 of the team's games and leads the Wolf Pack in multiple offensive categories. Photo by Brian Bolton/Nevada Sagebrush

In an already stacked lineup, left fielder Brian Barnett is one of Nevada’s most dangerous hitters.

He leads the team in doubles (16), home runs (eight) and runs batted in (42) and has a .349 batting average.

Barnett played at McQueen High School and joined Nevada this season after two years at Western Nevada College.

Although the move to the Nevada baseball team did not involve a stark change of scenery for Barnett, he did have trouble adjusting. Beginning with Nevada’s opening home series against Central Arkansas, Barnett struggled through a 15-game stretch during which he hit only .254 (14 for 55).

“It was a big letdown,” Barnett said. “I had two good seasons down there (at Western Nevada) and I got off to a slow start here. Playing in front of my family and friends, it was tough.”

Barnett showed glimpses of his potential when he hit two home runs against Seattle University on April 2 in a 12-10 Nevada win, but something was missing.

“He’s got the most natural power on the team by far,” Wolf Pack head coach Gary Powers said. “When he sees the ball and trusts his hands and swing, he’s better than when he gets too cerebral at the plate.”

For Barnett, every at-bat was a guessing game: He overanalyzed each pitch and wound up doing more harm than good.

“Mentally, I was just not in the right state of mind,” Barnett said. “I was guessing and thinking way too much.”

So before the team’s trip to New Mexico State, Powers and Barnett sat down and had a talk.

“We’re trying to get him to a situation where he has the same rhythm every at bat,” Powers said. “It’s not going to happen overnight and it hasn’t but it’s slowly coming around.”

Among the changes made were altering his stance and establishing a pre-batting ritual.

“He wasn’t getting his front foot down all the time,” Powers said. “And that meant he wasn’t on time to get the barrel of the bat to the ball on a consistent basis.”

Although the changes implemented will take time, Barnett’s continued improvement could mean trouble for opponents. Barnett has hit four home runs in the month of April and is quickly developing into Nevada’s top home run threat.

“He’s a great asset in our lineup,” Wolf Pack shortstop Kevin Rodland said. “He’s got pop and a great baseball player.”

HOMEGROWN TALENT

While Barnett has played well in his first year with the Wolf Pack, he’s still a normal student at the end of the day.

“He’s a good kid,” Suzanne Barnett, Brian’s mother, said. “He loves to hang out with people and hunt and fish.”

And while baseball is Brian’s passion, his mother said the importance of bettering and extending his education is not lost on him.

“Education comes first and foremost,” Suzanne Barnett said. “It’s great that he gets to do something he loves while he’s in college, but he knows how important school is.”

Barnett, who chose Nevada over Arizona, said being at home played a huge role in his decision. At almost every home game, Barnett has his own cheering section consisting of family and friends.

“It’s nice to play with support,” Barnett said. “I can go home and get support no matter if I played good or bad, and that helps a lot.”

Although Barnett’s family is thrilled with his success, they are especially happy that Barnett has the chance to continue playing baseball.

“We’re really proud and thankful for Nevada for giving him a chance to continue doing what he loves,” Suzanne Barnett said.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at leggen@nevadasagebrush.com.

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