Brady O'Brien '24, a standout baseball player at Colby who gained a fifth year of NCAA eligibility because of Covid-19 and became one of the country's most productive run-producers during his single season with DI University of Richmond, has signed a professional contract with the Seattle Mariners.

O'Brien, who majored in economics with a concentration in financial markets at Colby and earned a certificate in data analytics at the University of Richmond, reported to the Mariners' minor-league complex last week and began the latest chapter in his quest to play baseball at the major-league level. 

O'Brien, a four-year starter at Colby, mostly at third base, signed as an undrafted free agent on July 19, a few days after he experienced the disappointment of being passed over during the draft.

"I feel super fortunate to receive this opportunity. This has been my goal for a long time," he said, thanking Colby Head Baseball Coach Jesse Woods for helping him develop as a player and connecting him with the University of Richmond, where he excelled against the best competition in the country.

"I still say to this day, going to Colby was the best decision I ever made," said O'Brien, a team captain during his junior and senior years with the Mules. "It's very rare in today's college baseball to start for four years, and I was able to do that under Coach Woods. He treated me like a son, and I am grateful to him for the opportunity he gave me."

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