Cape Catfish land top 2022 thrower in former Kennett star

The 2023 Cape Catfish roster has an abundance of new names on it, none more so impactful than a brand-new coaching staff. However, retaining the top pitcher from 2022 is a comforting place to start as the team looks forward to opening day later this month.

The Catfish signed former Kennett High School pitcher Marshall Brown for a third consecutive season recently, and the current Arkansas Tech redshirt sophomore brings not just talent back to Capaha Field, but a lot of experience in competing in the Prospect League, as well.

“Marshall kind of turned into our No. 1 (starter) last year,” former Catfish pitching coach Dave Lawson said recently. “(In 2021) Marshall was a reliever, a spot reliever, at that, and then kind of became a closer.”

In 2021, Brown appeared in 20 games for Cape, all out of the bullpen. However, last summer, he started six of the 15 games that he threw in and ultimately led the team in innings pitched (56 1/3).

“He did a really good job,” Lawson said of his transition to starting.

Brown struck out 39 batters in those 56-plus innings last year and allowed a minuscule six walks while registering a 3.86 ERA.

“Marshall is not going to overpower you with a whole lot of fastballs,” Lawson said. “But he is going to cut the ball, sync the ball, and move the ball around.

“He is really hard to square the ball up and he forces contact. Guys love to play defense behind him.”

This spring, Brown made 12 appearances in helping the Wonder Boys win 32 games.

He worked nearly 30 innings and allowed 22 earned runs while striking out 23 batters and walking just 13.

At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, Lawson said Brown brings a presence to the mound physically.

“He is a big kid,” Lawson said. “It is a lot of arms and legs coming at you. It is a slow delivery and then the ball gets on you.”

Lawson said he refers to Brown as “throwing a heavy ball,” which gets on the hitter quickly.

“As a hitter,” Lawson explained, “the ball looks like it’s there and all of a sudden, it’s on you and you are beating it into the ground or swinging and missing.

“Marshall is going to throw. He can give you six innings every time out. He is going to compete in the (strike) zone and he’s not going to walk a whole lot of guys. He’ll keep the defense in the game.”

The Catfish begin the 2023 season on May 31 at O’Fallon, with their home debut at Capaha Field on June 3 against Jackson (Tenn.) at 7:35 p.m.