SOUTH BEND ― Along with being a rising star in the Chicago Cubs organization, Brayden Risedorph is a life saver.
Last summer, “uncle B” was visiting his brother, AJ, along with AJ’s wife and three daughters. With mom and dad both doing other things around the house, the youngest daughter, Adley ― 3 years old at the time ― decided to jump into the family swimming pool with no floatation devices on.
Fortunately, Brayden was there to jump in and save her.
“Everyone was fine, but my shoes and my golf outfit got a little wet, which was unfortunate,” Brayden noted.
Brayden’s instincts off the field is almost as impressive as his one on it.
A 20th round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Risedorph has been on fire in his first pro season this year. He has already earned the promotion from Low-A Myrtle Beach to High-A South Bend in the Cubs’ organization, posting a blistering 0.44 ERA out of the bullpen through his first 14 appearances across both franchises.
He also brings some local flavor to the South Bend roster, being born and raised in Kendallville, Indiana, an hour east of Four Winds Field. AJ is the athletic director at NorthWood High School in Nappanee as well, giving his family ample opportunities to see Brayden pursue his big-league dreams.
“It’s awesome seeing not only just my parents who are able to make the trip down, but extended family as well,” Brayden said. “Anyone who is able to see me is able to get there. It’s a pretty big deal for the family and me as well.”
Large age difference not a problem for Risedorph brothers
AJ was born in 1987. Brayden, 2003.
That’s a 17-year age difference between brothers. It often led people to think they were related in a different way.
“Everyone thought he was my kid,” AJ remarked.
Not only was AJ much older than Brayden, but both other Risedorph brothers ― Ryan and Eric ― had a decade-long age gap over Brayden also. That led to the older trio helping raise Brayden at various times, along with parents Randy and Iolet.
Along with bonding over things like video games and golf, AJ was a college baseball player himself at Purdue-Fort Wayne before going onto be a high school coach. Brayden said AJ became “the biggest mentor he could ask for” as he progressed through his high school and college careers.
“When he was in college, I’d always send him a TikTok with some inspiration or positive affirmation to help him out every week or so,” AJ said.
Becoming a professional baseball player
While Brayden had talent, his commitment level to baseball wasn’t always 100% growing up. That changed when the world shut down during the 2020 COVID pandemic.
“I was pretty fat my freshman year (at East Noble High School), to be honest,” Brayden said. “I wasn’t the most athletic for sure, and when COVID happened, that’s when I started getting big into the weight room.”
His rise over the final three years of high school earned him a scholarship at Indiana University. After two seasons with the Hoosiers, Brayden declared for the MLB Draft.
After spending the initial months following being drafted in Arizona, Brayden was assigned to Low-A Myrtle Beach to begin the 2025 campaign. Six weeks and nine stellar appearances later, he was called up to South Bend.
He made his debut with the Cubs on May 22 at Four Winds Field.
“Usually, I don’t see or hear anything ― I kind of blackout on the mound,” Brayden said. “But that was the first time I heard mom use a childhood nickname of mine. I told her she had to write that one off ― she can scream as loud as she wants, but keep the nicknames quiet so I don’t get a little distracted.”
The majority of the Risedorph family was in attendance for his debut. They also traveled to Fort Wayne when the Cubs visited the TinCaps from June 10-15.
As of June 17, Brayden has yet to allow a run in five appearances for South Bend, working 5 2/3rd innings out of the bullpen.
“He’s a competitor on the mound,” South Bend manager Nick Lovullo said. “He’s not afraid to go out and attack any hitter with his best stuff. He’s got a great fastball; mid-to-sometimes upper 90s. He’s working on some things with his secondary pitches as well, and I think the more those start to develop and progress, the more of a weapon he’ll be at this level.”
It’s a long journey still to make it to the big leagues. Brayden and his family know that. While they’re all confident he will get there, his oldest brother is proud of the man Brayden has become so far.
“He’s the most mature 21-year-old I know,” AJ said. “He’s very aware he’s at a professional level and the expectations and standards are there. … And he’s humble while he’s doing it, which is incredible. He’s a great brother but a better uncle, which is what we love about him the most.”
Follow Austin Hough on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough and on Facebook at “Austin Hough – South Bend Tribune.” Hough can be emailed at ahough@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Playing for South Bend means being close to home for this Chicago Cubs prospect
Reporting by Austin Hough, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
