After completing his college education in 2018, Lamar Briggs, an outfielder for the ValleyCats, patiently waited for two years to kickstart his professional baseball career. Since then, he’s had the opportunity to play for four different franchises in four independent leagues. This year alone, he was released twice, including once by the ValleyCats.
However, Briggs refused to let these setbacks deter him from pursuing his passion for the game. He firmly believes in his abilities and knows that he has a lot to contribute to the world of baseball. This resilient mindset has paid off for him since re-signing with the ValleyCats on July 5. In just five games, he boasts an impressive .375 batting average (6-for-16) with a home run and eight RBIs. Unfortunately, despite his contributions, the ValleyCats fell to a 31-21 record after losing 11-7 to the Evansville Otters.
On Friday night, Briggs didn’t have the best start as he struck out twice. However, he managed to bounce back and delivered a crucial two-run double in the eighth inning of a 6-1 victory over Evansville. The ValleyCats’ manager, Pete Incaviglia, commended Briggs’ approach at the plate and acknowledged that his timing was initially off due to a break during the Frontier League All-Star break. Briggs attributes his success to the guidance of veteran teammate Cito Culver, who emphasized the importance of getting ready to hit earlier in the at-bat.
Briggs understands the unpredictable nature of baseball all too well. In high school, he committed to play at Temple University, but the program was discontinued before he could join. Undeterred, he attended Jackson State University, where he achieved a .333 batting average during his senior year. Despite his strong college performance, Briggs went undrafted and struggled to secure a spot on a professional team for two years. Determined, he attended several workouts and reached out to as many contacts as possible in search of an opportunity. In the meantime, he worked at a baseball academy in his hometown of Charlotte, N.C.
Eventually, Briggs signed with the Westside Woolly Mammoths in the United Shore Professional Baseball League, a Michigan-based independent league. In 2021, he made a name for himself by winning the league MVP award with a remarkable .359 batting average. The following year, he advanced to play for the Lake Country Dockhounds, a team in the American Association – an MLB Partner League similar to the Frontier League. Unfortunately, Briggs struggled and only managed a .223 batting average in 82 games.
In March, the Dockhounds traded Briggs to the ValleyCats, but he was released by Incaviglia three weeks later due to concerns about playing time. Briggs then signed with the Gastonia Honey Hunters of the Atlantic League, but his time with the team was short-lived as he was released once again. It was only when Incaviglia re-signed him to the ValleyCats that Briggs found some stability. Impressed by Briggs’ performance, work ethic, and ability to seamlessly integrate into the team, Incaviglia acknowledged Briggs’ value.
Briggs expressed his satisfaction with his experience in Troy thus far and hopes to remain with the ValleyCats for the remainder of the season. As a dedicated ballplayer, Briggs takes pride in consistently giving his best on the field. He is determined to outwork his teammates and earn his place in the lineup every day. Briggs believes that his skills and work ethic have the potential to awe people, even if he hasn’t received the recognition he feels he deserves.
Overall, Briggs’ journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering love for the game of baseball. Despite encountering numerous challenges and setbacks, he continues to embrace opportunities, never losing sight of his ultimate goal. And with his recent performances, it’s clear that Briggs’ perseverance is paying off, making him an invaluable asset to the ValleyCats.
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