Tom Usher: Dreams continue for Jones, Garman

Catcher Danny Jones and left-hander Brian Garman both had their dreams.

And many times over the years both were told they were too small to make it.

Now the 5-foot-11 Garman can chuckle. The Wapakoneta grad and product of the University of Cincinnati was taken in the 17th round last week by the Milwaukee Brewers.

“The critics and the naysayers are a big source of motivation,” Garman said. “Any negativity I channel it and create the energy to keep going.

“My mom told me (about being drafted) after I came back from a run. After I caught my breath, I was kind of relieved. I was really excited and thrilled to have that chance.”

Wapakoneta baseball coach Jason Brandt said, “You can never tell Brian Garman no about anything. That (playing pro ball) was his dream.”

Garman, a former Lima Locos’ pitcher, reported to the Brewers’ Pioneer League team this week in Helena, Mont.

This spring at Cincinnati Garman went 4-4 with a 3.79 ERA. In 17 games, five starts, he struck out 65 and walked 19 in 59 innings.

Garman said the key was his move to the bullpen this year.

“My role changed at UC,” he said. “They used me as a left-handed bullpen guy and it fits my mentality. I used my fastball and slider and only went through the lineup one time. I sat at 88 to 91 (mph) and got up to 92 a few times.”

Marietta’s Jones, on the other hand, is still looking for his break. The Shawnee grad won the Division III national Rawlings Gold Glove, but went undrafted.

The 5-10 Jones is currently lining up his own auditions.

“Right now I’m planning on getting my body right so I can go out and perform,” Jones said after taking practice with his former team, the Lima Locos. “I have a Reds’ tryout and then we’ll see how that goes. Then, we’ll play it by ear. I’ll see where I can get an opportunity to prove myself and maybe get a spot on a roster.

“Right now it’s up in the air and I’ll try to explore my options. I’ll start to make contact (with Frontier League teams) after this tryout with the Reds.”

This season Jones batted .373 at Marietta and had a 25-game hitting streak. He finished with 10 doubles, two home runs and 24 RBIs. Last summer with the Locos he batted .355.

His calling card has always been his defense, specifically his rifle arm and cat-quick, snap release. With the Locos, he was the top defensive catcher in the Great Lakes Collegiate League. At Marietta this year, he threw out 13 of 28 (46 percent) of the runners attempting to steal a base.

Even though he won the national Gold Glove, it wasn’t enough to get him drafted.

“There was always hope to get picked up and play baseball for a living,” Jones said. “You want to play as long as you can. It was a letdown, but at the same time, there’s always another day.”

Jones heard about his winning the Division III Gold Glove for catching when his dad saw the story on the Marietta web site.

“That was very surprising and very humbling,” Jones said. “That wasn’t something that I expected. It definitely marks all the hard work that you’ve done and all the tough times that you’ve been through. Playing the game is real humbling and an award like that is more humbling. … It’s something I’m going to look back on and really appreciate it.”

Winning the award brought back the countless nights that Jones spent with his dad, Gary, making throw after throw to second base as the sun went down.

This summer Jones will continue to work toward his dream.

But, for now, he’s coming up with the perfect spot for his Glove Glove.

“It might just have to go to my dad and maybe he could make his personal shrine for it,” Jones said. “It’s something you don’t take all the credit for.”