Bryan Pope: From Ladera Ranch Little League to the Minors

LADERA RANCH, Calif. — From Ladera Ranch Little League to St. Louis Cardinal’s minor league team, Bryan Pope is working toward the big leagues. While it’s been said the game of baseball moves a little slow, life moves fast for a young baseball star.

“I signed my contract was immediately flown out to Florida to start training three days later,” says Pope. “It was almost instantaneous.”

Playing in 2021 for the Florida Complex League Cardinals, the Cardinals’ rookie ball level team, Pope pitched 11 games while maintaining a 1.02 earned run average (ERA). Once the delayed Spring Training commences, Pope will see which level he will be representing next season: Single A, Double A, or Triple A. “Most start triple,” he explains, “So I’m assuming I’ll start there and work my way up.”

Before joining the Cardinals organization, Pope shined at Cal Baptist University (CBU). After progressing through the ranks in his first three years, Pope took the next step his Senior year and earned his role in CBU’s starting rotation. He led the Lancers squad with 15 starts and in strikeouts with 76 to just 27 walks over 80.1 innings, earning himself an All-WAC Second Team distinction.

Pope’s success on the mound also transferred to his classroom performance. He earned all-conference honors for academics all four years at CBU. Graduating with a degree in accounting, Pope adds, “At CBU, you’re a student-athlete. So, being a student is first, and that was definitely my main priority.”

Pope’s training homed in on his pitching ability in his switch from high school to college. At San Juan Hills High School (SJHHS), he focused primarily on hitting and fielding as he also starred at second base for the Stallions. On the other hand, playing multiple positions in college is nearly impossible.

Believing he performed best with the ball in his hand, Pope improved with the help of his coaches and by pulling from stars in the big leagues. To keep batters on their toes, Pope throws a fast, twirling sinker instead of a fastball and mimics 2011 American League Most Valuable Player Justin Verlander’s slider.

No matter how hard the ball is moving or how much it spins, a pitcher must also keep their mind in check. Baseball is a mental game. “Every outing can get in your head,” Pope shares. “But to have a routine every single day that you pitch helps, whether you do well or poorly. It’s kind of like a mental reset and refocus.”

Growing up in Ladera Ranch, it was easy for Pope to get out on the dirt. Residing right by Cox Sports Park, Pope explains, “It was a lot of fun to be able to just walk to the field whenever I wanted. The atmosphere of the Ladera Little League was amazing, and I loved it.”

Baseball had Pope’s heart since he was four years old. Though he tried swimming, soccer, and even freshman football at SJHHS, baseball always called to him. After 19 years on the field, baseball is still the same game Pope fell in love with. “If you’re having fun and loving it, keep playing as long as you can,” he says. “It can be frustrating, but it’s really, really rewarding if you put in the work.”

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