Lansing Sun

Michigan State University freshman pitcher Garrett Brewer is balancing his aspirations on the baseball field with a deep-rooted passion for farming. The agribusiness major from Berrien Springs, Michigan, has a long-standing connection to agriculture, having grown up on a hay farm in Eau Claire.

"I'm staying around the farm and I can go back to it when I'm done with this," Brewer said, highlighting his plans post-baseball. Despite an impressive high school career, where he achieved 93 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched with a 0.91 ERA as a senior, it was the allure of farming that drew him to MSU.

Brewer's upbringing involved both sports and farm work. "Getting to go to a baseball tournament was fun," he recalled. "Then we'd do hay, have to go to practice, and then most of the time come back and do more hay."

His love for animals plays a significant role in his attachment to farming. "We have cows, horses, we have some goats now, and two pigs," Brewer shared. "The cows are my favorite."

Adapting from rural life to university has been challenging for Brewer due to the increased traffic and bustling atmosphere at MSU. Nonetheless, he has adjusted well academically and athletically. He currently holds an ERA of 3.12 over eight appearances and contributed significantly in MSU's recent shutout victory over Niagara.

Brewer's commitment to farming remains strong; he plans to assist his family during summer breaks while also looking forward to expanding the family business with a friend who specializes in apples and peaches.

"Being around there it's relaxing," Brewer expressed about life on the farm compared to university pressures.

This weekend finds Brewer and the Spartans in Minneapolis for a series against Minnesota before returning home for their final games of the regular season against Eastern Michigan and Nebraska.

Fans can stay updated on game schedules through MSUSpartans.com or by following @MSUBaseball on Twitter.