Athlete of the Month sponsored by Indian Head Athletics

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

He’s quiet in general, but Wade Brown’s pitching in particular has silenced opposing bats in the New Hampshire Baseball League’s postseason, helping his Bow Falcons close within a single victory of the league title.

Brown is 3-0 so far in the wooden-bat league’s playoffs, earning him the Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month for August.

The postseason is no aberration for Brown, who allowed one earned run during three starts and five relief appearances while posting a 0.28 ERA in 32 innings pitched for the regular- season’s top team.

And it wasn’t just Brown’s arm that’s helped Bow reach the title series against the defending champion Manchester Eagles. Brown’s legs were the deciding factor in the semifinals.

Facing Bedford in the second game of the best-ofthree series, Brown led from second base in the ninth inning of a tied game.

Mike Percy singled to left, and the throw from the outfield was on target, but Brown’s hard, clean slide jarred the ball from the catcher’s glove, bringing the Falcons onto the field in celebration of their two-game sweep. Bow continued its strong play in game one of the best-of-three NHBL finals, beating the Eagles, 7-3.

Frank De Maria, Bow’s manager, said Brown is an unassuming family man during the week, but he becomes a fiery competitor when the uniform’s on.

“He is totally focused when he’s playing,” said De Maria. “He’s soft-spoken, but he comes out and gives a Herculean effort every time he’s on the field.”

According to De Maria, many in the league, which includes athletes 38 and older, have played high-level college baseball, with some playing professional baseball in their prime.

Brown was a solid high school player, but he never played college ball.

“That’s what makes it even more amazing,” said De Maria. “He’s just such a great athlete.”

Brown’s success in the league is an added bonus; he joined five years ago for different reasons.

“The camaraderie with teammates is just as important as trying to stay in shape and play some good, honest baseball,” said Brown. “This gives you the opportunity to do what you did as a kid, and really enjoy yourself.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)