Brandon Bohanon

For many kids with big league dreams, it is backyard baseball, card collections and the occasional trip to watch a game at the ballpark that fuels their love of the sport. With a dad in the major leagues, however, University of Houston-Victoria junior Brandon Bohanon’s passion for baseball was homegrown.

The Houston native grew up watching his father, Brian Bohanon, play for the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies. Through the years Brandon ventured out to batting practices, spring training and even served as bat boy during Major League Baseball games.

“I grew up in the game and I just never left,” he said. “I love it.”

Today, Bohanon puts those years of learning to use as catcher for the UHV baseball team. Bohannon played in 38 games during his sophomore season. He hit .252 with one home run and 14 RBI. Defensively, he threw out 22 of 43 base runners trying to steal.

He said the decision to join UHV was a good one. Not only does UHV coach Terry Puhl, with his years of professional baseball experience, know what players need to make it to the next level, but he said the team also gets along well.

The 2011 conference tournament was a high point for him and his teammates.

“We went all the way to the championship and we had a blast,” Bohanon said. “We didn’t win, but it was fun to get there and watch the seniors make it to that point. I learned a lot.”

Sports aren’t the only things that fill the 20-year-old’s time.

Coursework is a natural part of any college student’s life, and the history major is no different. Bohanon said he also enjoys the outdoors, taking in the occasional fishing, golfing or hunting outing whenever possible.

Bohanon plans to earn a secondary teaching certificate so that he can coach after his playing days are over. Hopefully, though, that won’t be for a long time. He hopes to eventually play professionally.

“It’s a dream I’ve had ever since I began watching my dad,” he said. “I’d love to make it happen.”

 Bohanon encouraged his teammates to work hard to achieve their own baseball dreams. Whether it’s an extra trip to the gym, additional batting practice or any one of a number of things, he said it all makes a difference.

“The little things will make you better,” he said. “Just keep doing it and good things will happen.”

I am a Jaguar is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.