By Kyle Roberts
THIBODAUX, La. — Former Ruston High standout RJ Brown will continue his baseball career at the Division I level after committing to Nicholls State this past week following two successful seasons at Hinds Community College.
Brown, a catcher who developed into one of Hinds’ most productive players over the last two years, said the opportunity to join the Colonels represents the realization of a longtime dream.
“I feel like it’s a really great opportunity,” Brown said. “I really appreciate the opportunity. Growing up, you always want to play college baseball and not only college baseball, you want to play Division I baseball. Just getting the opportunity to keep playing and play at that level, I’m extremely excited and extremely blessed.”
Brown said several factors made Nicholls State the right fit for the next chapter of his career.
“I feel like they’re building something special down there,” Brown said. “I feel like they have a great coaching staff, and I just feel like I’ll fit in good down there.”
While his academic plans are still being finalized, Brown said nursing is currently his top choice of study. If that path is not available, he is considering pursuing a degree in biology or kinesiology.
Brown heads to Thibodaux after putting together an impressive career at Hinds, where he established himself as one of the program’s most reliable players both offensively and defensively.
In an interview last month, Hinds head coach Dan Rives said Brown’s value extends far beyond what may immediately stand out on a stat sheet.
“RJ’s a guy that, the more you see him, the more you appreciate him,” Rives said. “If you go watch him in a showcase, he’s going to stand out because he’s got tools.”
Rives pointed to Brown’s defensive performance against elite competition as evidence of his ability behind the plate.
“His best two throws this year throwing out runners were against the number one team in the country, and they were in the same inning,” Rives said. “His pop times were very good. He’s got the ability to catch and throw, which is the primary objective at that position.”
Brown also made a major impact at the plate, hitting better than .300 with 10 home runs while showing a disciplined approach.
“He hit over .300, he hit 10 home runs and barely struck out for us,” Rives said. “He’s got the ability to hit off good pitching and be able to do that on a consistent basis.”
Rives believes Brown’s offensive development could create opportunities for him beyond catcher at the Division I level.
“With his bat the way that it is now, he’s not just a catcher,” Rives said. “He could potentially play on a corner. He could potentially play a corner spot in the outfield and do everything he could to try to keep his bat in the lineup.”
Brown joins a Nicholls program he believes is on the rise and will look to continue the progression that began at Ruston High and flourished during his two seasons at Hinds. For Brown, the move represents another step toward achieving the goals he set for himself as a young baseball player.
“I’m super excited for this opportunity,” Brown said.
