Thompson grateful for his pro baseball opportunity

SPRINGFIELD, Mo--Hello everyone, I'm Dan Lucy on the Ozarks First digital desk.

The last place that Brandt Thompson thought he'd be in August was Hammons Field.

The Cardinals picked Thompson in the 17th round of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft.

So the former Missouri State Bear figured he'd be in Low A ball for this season.

But St. Louis liked what it saw in Thompson.

And the right hander moved up to High A Peoria and then on August 5th to Double AA Springfield.

And there he was Tuesday--at the stadium, and on the same mound that he had his college success for the Missouri State Bears.

Thompson won his first game for Springfield on the road in San Antonio.

The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native was humming along Tuesday until a blister popped on his pitching hand and he had to leave the game in the fourth inning.

Thompson was disappointed, but thankful it's just a small issue and he should be ready to go this weekend.

Brandt Thompson/Springfield Pitcher:"Grateful it's just a minor injury."

One thing that the St. Louis organization likes about Brandt Thompson is his command of the strike zone.

He doesn't throw overpowering heat.

Thompson has a wide variety of pitches that can find the strike zone.

The Cardinals have let right hander develop the pitches he already has.

And that confidence is showing on the mound.

Thompson: "I can touch 95 miles per hour, and I'm working on my kick change."

Brandt Thompson came to Springfield as a junior and made an immediate impact on Missouri State's pitching rotation.

He was named first team All-Valley in both his junior and senior seasons.

Thompson says being back at his old ballpark helps as he finds his way in Double AA.

Thompson:"I went into their clubhouse and met with Joey Hawkins and some of the guys."

So Brandt Thompson becomes the sixth Missouri State Bear to be drafted by St. Louis and then play at Hammons Field as a Springfield Cardinal.

And who knows he just may be a piece of the puzzle that could win Springfield its second Texas League championship.

For more sports watch Ozarks First news at nine and ten.

And I'll see you then.