After five years in the Atlanta Braves' minor-league system, Brian Kowitz finally got his chance to appear in The Show. The 10-game ride included five starts, four of them victories, and a few key hits.
And when it was over, the little guy from Owings Mills had left a lasting impression.
"He's a heady player," said Rod Gilbreath, assistant director of player development. "A clutch player with great speed and a compact build, durable enough to play every night."
Triple-A Richmond Braves manager Grady Little said: "Brian's a competitor, the guy you want up there when the game's on the line. He's a general out there. Physically, he's not a big man [5 feet 10, 182 pounds], so he takes very good care of himself because he knows the rest of his game has got to be perfect. He knows everything else has to shine."
Back at Richmond, Kowitz, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, recalled staring into the bright lights of the big leagues with nary a blink.
"You're next to the guys you looked up to, guys who get cameras shoved in their faces every day. Thousands of people are watching you play. But I never pictured myself failing," said Kowitz, a 1987 Boys' Latin graduate.
"You can't afford to second-guess yourself in baseball because it's such a mental game. I always picture myself doing the job. Getting base hits and coming through."
Kowitz, who was sent back to the minors June 18, can't wait for his next opportunity -- one that may not be far away.
"He's come back a little more mature, and I think he's prepared to go back up. And based on his present capabilities, I'd say he's ready to go back today," Little said. "He's just got to get the right opportunity. And I'm sure he's going to get another chance. just don't know when."
When not on the road, Kowitz, 25, has been preparing for a December marriage to Pikesville graduate Amy Schwartz. Schwartz expects to earn her M.A. in special education from Johns Hopkins, said Kowitz, who is devoting much of the major-league-minimum $109,000 he earned toward their future.
"I play this game because I love it, but it takes on a new meaning when you consider buying a town home and possibly supporting a family," said Kowitz, who enjoys his best quality time with Schwartz during October, November and December.
"The ultimate goal is to get back to the big leagues. That's fantasy land. That keeps the fire going. I've gotten a taste of it, so now the fire's blazing."
