Australian rule - Purcell, McDonald a tough duo for Indians

Brad Purcell and Tristen McDonald left Australia for the United States four years ago to chase their baseball dreams.

Along the way, the boys from down under have helped put Southeast Missouri State University on the brink of its first Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championship.

The Indians (26-15, 12-3 OVC) lead second-place Eastern Illinois (19-20, 9-5) by 2 1/2 games entering this weekend's home series with the Panthers.

"I admire what they've done, leaving home to fulfill their dreams of playing professional baseball," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "They've been a big part of our program the last two years and they're having tremendous seasons."

Purcell and McDonald, who both transferred from Iowa Central Community College two years ago, form arguably the premier battery in the OVC.

A senior right-handed pitcher, Purcell is the Indians' ace with an 8-2 record and 3.21 earned-run average. He is tied for most wins in the conference with teammate Brandon Smith, has the third-lowest ERA in the league and is a leading OVC Pitcher of the Year candidate.

A junior catcher, McDonald is second on the squad and 10th in the OVC in hitting with a .366 average. He's tied for the team lead in home runs with five and ranks second in RBIs with 35 while starting every game behind the plate.

"Coming here has been great," said Purcell, 5-2 last year as one of the Indians' primary starters. "I love the place. No regrets."

Said McDonald, who hit .286 with six homers and 55 RBIs last year as the Indians' starting right fielder before moving back to his natural position of catcher, "I love it here. We've got a great coaching staff and a bunch of good guys."

Purcell and McDonald grew up also playing more traditional Aussie sports like cricket, rugby and Australian rules football. But both took a liking to baseball at an early age and hoped to sign professional contracts. They still do.

"Everybody who plays baseball in Australia, their main goal is to sign," Purcell said. "But if not, then come over here to college and play."

Said McDonald, "Playing pro ball is the main reason we came over here. The best opportunity for baseball is in America."

Although they barely knew each other before college -- Purcell, from Ipswich, and McDonald, from Melbourne, played against each other in tournaments -- they became friends after leaving Australia.

Purcell, McDonald and five other Aussies landed at Iowa Central Community College through an Atlanta Braves scout, a friend of the Iowa Central coach.

"We've been good friends ever since," McDonald said.

Although Purcell and McDonald both had several Division I programs to choose from, they settled on Southeast, as did Iowa Central left fielder Brian Hopkins, also one of the Indians' key players.

While remaining teammates, Purcell and McDonald also remained roommates.

"We've lived together the last four years," Purcell said. "We're like brothers pretty much. We have a few fights now and then, but we forget about it five minutes later. We don't hold grudges."

Said McDonald, "We do the same things, we hang out with the same people. We know each other like the back of our hands."

Australians are known for their laid-back, fun-loving nature. Purcell and McDonald, both quick with a smile and a laugh, fit the mold.

"We're pretty much typical Aussies," McDonald said. "I don't let too many things get to me. That's pretty much the way our people are."

Said a grinning Purcell, "When we have free time, we kick back, relax, play video games, have a few beers. That's in our culture. The drinking age in Australia is 18."

Added Hogan, "They're a couple of the more fun-loving kids I've been around. They've got great dispositions, but they're fierce competitors."

Baseball seems to be a lot more important to Americans than Australians, which is a major reason the pair left home in the first place.

"Baseball here is a lot different," McDonald said. "Here players call their coaches 'coach.' Over there, we just call our coach by his first name. They take it a lot more serious here."

Purcell and McDonald, physical education majors who played for the Cape Girardeau Capahas last summer, still could get a chance to make their professional baseball dreams come true. Purcell has gotten attention from scouts, Hogan said, and McDonald is on pace to catch the eye of scouts next season.

But even if the pros don't work out, Purcell and McDonald say they'll be satisfied that baseball has allowed them a free education. And they'll always relish their stay in the United States.

"It's been great over here for both of us," Purcell said. "We wouldn't have changed anything."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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