One of the Good Guys; D-Bags to Retire Bryant's 42

Noticeably absent from the current year's Jersey Shore team is the smiling face of 2 time MVP Mike Bryant who retired this past off-season.  Bryant spent his entire career with Jersey Shore after becoming their 1st amateur draft pick at 21st overall in the 2010 season.  The slugger played in the World Series 3 times, was only the 2nd player in BSA history to win the Triple Crown and finishes his career in the Top 10 of most offensive categories.  On Friday, May 26th when the D-Bags take on rival Greenville, the number 42 will be hoisted into the Jersey Shore ring of honor.

Bryant grew up in Beach Haven West, New Jersey, just 50 miles where the future franchise of the Jersey Shore D-Bags would play their home games.  A natural athlete, Bryant would excel in baseball and football as well as academics in High School.  A heavily sought after recruit, Bryant would decide to go cross country for college and attend the prestigious Stanford University.  Bryant would drop football to put his full attention on baseball and it would show.  He would start from Day 1 and man 2nd base for all 4 seasons playing for the Cardinal.  In 187 college games, Bryant would slash .328/.389/.613 while hitting 53 HR, knocking in 154 runs and scoring 153 times.  

Twenty teams would pass on Bryant before Jersey Shore would select him with 21st overall pick.  Bryant would sign right away and spend 3 years between AA Gainsville and AAA Tuscaloosa before making his major league debut in June 2013.  He would take over at 2B and not look back for the next 13 seasons.  During those 13 seasons, he would have a 10 year streak of 35+ home runs and 100+ RBI.  He would win the CL MVP in 2016 and 2017, and have only the 2nd Triple Crown season in BSA history in 2016 where he would hit .347 with 40 HR and 158 RBI.  He would lead Jersey Shore to their 1st playoff appearance and 1st World Series appearance in 2015 where the D-Bags would fall in 7 games to Hendersonville.

Bryant's number will be the 1st number to be retired by the Jersey Shore franchise.  The first 20,000 fans to the game will receive a commemorative pin and Mike Bryant bobble-head.  Several former D-Bags will be in attendance and will be signing autographs before and after the game.


GO D-BAGS