Belt helps Giants win 2012 World Series

Former San Jac player is now World Series champion

Amanda L. Booren -- October 30, 2012

HOUSTON – Former San Jacinto College baseball player Brandon Belt can now add World Series champion to his résumé, after he and the San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers over the weekend in the 2012 Fall Classic.

Belt, from Nacogdoches, played at San Jacinto College in 2007, guiding San Jac to the Junior College (JUCO) World Series that year. He was the recipient of the Rawlings Big Stick Award for being the series’ best hitter at the national tournament. He then went on to play at the University of Texas, guiding the Longhorns to the College World Series in 2009.

In an interview with www.sanjacsports.com prior to the start of the 2012 World Series, Belt said, “This is an amazing feeling (getting to the World Series). I’ve always dreamed of being in this moment, and it’s hard to wrap my mind around it.”

Belt was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 11^th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign, instead making his way to San Jacinto College. “Some of the best times of my life were at San Jac,” Belt noted. “I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of some close teams throughout my career, starting at San Jac, and including this Giants team.”

The Giants battled their way through postseason play, coming from behind in both the National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds, and the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. But that didn’t deter Belt and his teammates from keeping an eye on the World Series. “We performed well from behind,” said Belt. “We had confidence in each other, and it was a full team effort.”

When asked if he thinks about where he’s come from when he gets to this point in his career, Belt said, without hesitation, “No doubt. It helps to have played on a bunch of different teams that have been successful. I never played in front of a big crowd until I played in the JUCO World Series with San Jac, and I’ll never forget that.”

Belt, whose nickname is Baby Giraffe after a “funky” play he made in the outfield during a trip to Milwaukee, was the Giants’ top prospect heading into the 2011 season. He began that year on club's Opening Day roster, but was transferred back and forth from the Major League level to the minors on six different occasions. This season, he appeared 145 games for the Giants, hitting .275 with seven home runs, 56 RBIs, 47 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. In the final game of the World Series, he hit an RBI triple in the second inning to put the Giants up 1-0.

His advice for baseball players that have a dream of making it to the big leagues: “Keep working, never give up, and be determined. Find out what you do well and do it 100 percent.” Belt certainly has taken his own advice to heart, and it has earned him the sport’s highest honor.

Belt and his San Francisco Giants teammates will be honored with a parade through the streets of San Francisco on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.