DEFIANCE - Baseball is in the family genes. Bradyn Shaw is excited to carry on that family tradition for another four years.

The Defiance High School senior - whose grandfather Lou Brunswick played for the Chicago Cubs, was a scout for the Minnesota Twins and went on to win 750 games in 35 years as head coach at Coldwater, claiming five state titles - has committed to play baseball at Akron.

“In the fall (head) coach (Greg) Beals reached out and wanted to get on a phone call and it progressed from there to the point of a visit,” reflected Shaw. “He said he saw some PBR video of me and their pitching coach saw me at the Top Prospect Games. That was a big start to it all.

“Two to three weeks before the visit we were talking and getting to know each other. We set up a visit and it was an amazing day getting to meet him and seeing the University of Akron. At the end of the day he offered a scholarship and three weeks later I accepted it.”

There was a lot to consider with Findlay, Ashland and Tiffin among the other schools after the 32nd-ranked 2023 right-handed pitcher in Ohio.

“What all went into it for me was I had a good relationship with the coach,” Shaw explained. “I thought they could develop and get me to the next level. It was a university where I could get everywhere by walking. They offered the academics I wanted to go into. And the coaching staff was what I wanted. It was the perfect fit for me.”

Akron saw the 6-1 175-pounder as a good piece to the puzzle for a new coaching staff headlined by Beals, the former mentor at Ohio State.

“Coach Beals said he likes player development and thinks they can develop me into a better player than I am,” Shaw pointed out.

Ironically, while baseball is his future, basketball was his favorite early on in life.

“Growing up basketball was my love and I still love it, it’s probably tied with baseball,” related Shaw, whose father John was a standout on the court at Defiance. “Baseball grew on me this fall when I could see my future in the sport and what I could bring with it at the next level. And, obviously, I come from a big baseball family.”

That starts with his grandfather, who passed away two months ago at the age of 92.

“Grandpa has been in my life since day one, I can’t tell you how much I love that dude and what he did for me,” Shaw said. “He’d be out playing wiffleball or throwing a ball with me, and always had something to say whether it was about playing in the majors or about his friend Pete Rose.

“My uncle Mark (Brunswick) was a huge influence on my recruiting,” Shaw added in reference to the former head coach and now assistant baseball coach at Bellefontaine, who was a third-round draft pick of the Mets in 1984. “He knows a lot of coaches from around the area. My uncles Tom, who played in the pros, too, and Jeff (an assistant baseball coach at Archbold) were also great baseball players. The whole Brunswick family are such good people and a big help in getting me where I am now.”

There was more aid in his development on the mound from Defiance head baseball coach Tom Held, who was also credited by Shaw with assisting in his recruitment.

“Last year was a good year pitching for me,” noted the 77th-rated 2023 in the state. “I had a good game in the district final against Napoleon and then made a big jump in the fall with coach Held pushing and pushing me. I threw in the fall almost every day trying to get to 90. Coach Held said to trust the process and you’ll really get to the results you want and I got there.”

Additional help came along the way in a recruiting process that “went smooth for me” according to Shaw.

“There were times I was anxious and not sure what to do,” Shaw admitted. “PBR helped out tremendously at all the events and Dylan (Hefflinger, PBR northwest Ohio scout) helped being at all the games and getting video out.

“It was a good process overall and Akron was the one I chose. You get that feeling in your heart and gut and I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

Those in the Shaw home were also beneficial in making the college baseball dream a reality.

“Mom and dad, I couldn’t do anything without them,” Shaw said. “They’re such a big part of my life, whether I fail or succeed. My brother and sister are always positive. Cody’s my catcher and goes and throws with me. My friends and teammates and teachers helping me with my grades have also been a big part of getting me where I am.”

A 4.0 student who is looking into a major in exercise science with the possibility of becoming a physical therapist, is thrilled to have a commitment final.

“The relief was just incredible,” Shaw said. “To make that decision and know that it’s done, everyone was so happy. The vibe at home from mom and dad and brother and sister was awesome. It was stressful at times, but to know you got your scholarship feels pretty good.”

Now the 18-year-old looks forward to his days ahead at the Mid-American Conference university located four hours from home.

“I can’t wait to get to Akron, be with my teammates, play for coach Beals and hopefully develop into a player that gets to the next level,” Shaw concluded. “It’s going to be exciting to play D-I with coach Beals and be around other tremendous players and around the college vibe.”