LCC Pitcher, Steyr Brinkley

by Steve Mims

Steyr Brinkley won’t have to move this summer.

The Lane Community College sophomore will join the pitching staff for the Springfield Drifters in the West Coast League this summer. Springfield opens its second season at Hamlin Field on June 2nd against Port Angeles and tickets are on sale now.

“I think that is a big advantage for me, staying home and having everything situated, not having to adapt to a new environment,” the 6-foot-1 left-hander said. “I could not ask for a better spot. We played Bushnell this year so I have played at Hamlin, it is a very nice ballpark. It seems like a pro ballpark so everything is real nice. It is beautiful with all those trees.”

Brinkley is 1-3 with a 6.11 ERA in 10 games for the Titans, including five starts. He has struck out 44 in 28 innings.

“I struggled a bit with my command this year,” Brinkley said. “I got off to a good start but then I got a blister on my finger and I was out a few weeks. I have the highest K per 9 in the NWAAC this year, but it was kind of an injury riddled season.”

Brinkley went to McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada, but played only one game during his senior season of high school due to COVID. A couple players on his travel team were headed to LCC and coach Josh Blunt invited Brinkley to join the Titans as well.

He played as a freshman at LCC before sitting out a redshirt season last year. Washington State, Nevada, and Montana State Billings are among the schools that have recruited him for next year.

“I am keeping my options open and my coaches told me the same thing, finish up my season and make a decision,” Brinkley said.

Brinkley could also keep his options open into the summer when he pitches in the WCL, a wood-bat league considered to be one of the top collegiate summer circuits in the nation.

“It is an opportunity to grow as a player,” Brinkley said. “I am excited to compete against a high level of competition and see where my stuff matches up against them. I am confident that I can go pound the zone so I am excited for the summer and optimistic about the season. I think we have a real solid lineup and can compete.”