Gore High School’s James Brasuell
Gore senior shortstop James Brasuell has built his high school baseball career on discipline, resilience and a deep love for the game and his teammates.
Brasuell said his biggest inspiration is former coach Louie Campbell, who shaped both his approach to baseball and to life. “He was my coach for a few years and always pushed us to do better and be better,” Brasuell said. “He always prayed with us and for us. He taught me a lot about the game and pushed me in every way possible.”
On the field, Brasuell anchors the infield at shortstop, where he embraces both the responsibility and the challenge. He said the toughest part of the position comes on hard-hit balls in the six-hole between short and third base, but he welcomes those moments. His favorite pitch to hit is a high fastball, a choice that reflects his confident, aggressive approach at the plate.
In the classroom, Brasuell lists physical science as his favorite subject and points to Coach Rose as his favorite teacher. He said baseball’s biggest lessons have come through adversity, noting that athletics has taught him “a lot of discipline, resilience and perseverance” that he plans to carry with him long after his last high school game.
Brasuell also appreciates the small traditions that make the sport unique. He cited never stepping on the foul line when entering the field as baseball’s best unwritten rule, a nod to the game’s superstition and respect.
What Brasuell values most, though, is the bond within Gore’s program. He said the Pirates have “a great group of guys,” adding that they all get along and spend time together away from the field. He described his teammates as “super easy to get along with” and “great friends off the field as well,” and he credited Gage Dame as the team’s most vocal presence and Dane Gates as the one who keeps everyone laughing.
Away from baseball, Brasuell enjoys riding four-wheelers with his friends and hanging out with his girlfriend, Emily, rounding out the life of a senior who has left his mark on Gore baseball.
