Brandon Crotchett
2025 started with the most difficult hardship I’ve faced to date: the passing of my father, Richard. He was someone who believed in me and my dreams from the time he gave the idea to pursue sportscasting to high school Brandon. Through all the twists and turns my career took, he always told me to look forward to what God had in store, not necessarily my own plans. I would have never guessed His will for my life would lead me back to where it all started for me: Home, Lakeland to be exact. It was the first consistent MLB announcing gig I had earned with the Detroit Tigers Spring Training operations. The news that I had been chosen to announce these games would be the last memory I ever shared with Dad. And I would’ve never guessed all of the amazing memories that were made in just one month, not the future opportunity it would lead to.
My first day on the job, I had gotten to meet my favorite Tampa Bay Ray of all-time, Carlos Pena. I only met him briefly prior to a Rays game that I ran camera for, so it was incredible to get to talk with him for a few minutes about life and what God had been doing. He is one of the kindest, gentle-hearted, and personal individuals I’ve ever met and I hope to cross paths with him again one day. Another opportunity I had came about midway through Spring, when Kevin and Ulises of the Locked On Rays podcast came to watch a game. I had enjoyed watching them over the past few years and seeing them grow their YouTube channel. I was honored to get to meet them in-person, once again, at the Rays games, and developed a connection and friendship with them that has gotten even stronger over time. I am so appreciative of the fact they came out there to watch and cheer me on! They are an incredible blessing and I look forward to enjoying more conversation, good food, and of course great baseball with the both of them!
My favorite opportunity came on the last game of Spring Training. Not only did my wife, Dessie, perform the national anthem in front of a sellout crowd, but Dad was also honored posthumously as Detroit Tigers Military Hero Of The Game. I read his service record aloud to over 10,000 fans who stood and cheered as my mom, Sue, was given a jersey on his behalf and our entire family was shown on the Jumbotron.
I know he would have been incredibly honored by everything the Tigers organization did for our family that day. He was always proud to have served his country and was even prouder of Dessie’s angelic singing. With all of those memories made, my time had come to an end for this year with the Tigers, or so I thought. Just a few days later, I had received word that I was selected to be the PA Announcer for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Detroit’s Single-A affiliate.
This year, my life took an unexpected turn. It was one that led me to saying goodbye to my dad, but also one that took me back to where my roots have been laid and where I’m happy to be: HOME!
