Brandon Simon Jr. has been a proud Okmulgee Bulldog for as long as he can remember. “I have attended Okmulgee since I was in preschool,” he said. “I am a senior at Okmulgee High School, home of the Bulldogs.” His journey in baseball began when he was just three years old after his parents signed him up for summer youth teams. That early introduction to the sport sparked a lifelong passion that has carried him through the years.
“When I was born, I had a heart defect that wasn’t found until I was a toddler,” Simon shared. “I was unable to play contact sports for a while after a coil was placed on my heart, so my parents signed me up for baseball. I fell in love with the sport instantly.” That love, along with the unwavering support of his biggest influence—his mom—has shaped his athletic journey. “She continues to always be there to cheer me on and encourages me to do the best that I can in anything.”
Now a senior, Simon takes on a leadership role within the team, both on and off the field. “Our team chemistry is good,” he said. “We are trying to get better, so we are keeping the complaining down and encouraging each other to be their best. When someone is falling, we as a team are there to pick them up and help them get through it and come out a better player.” As the district starting pitcher, he takes his responsibility seriously. “When I’m not pitching, I will be playing first base,” he added.
Looking ahead, Simon is focused on making his final high school season one to remember. “I want to make sure I’m contributing to the team both on and off the field, and hopefully, we can have a great season this year,” he said. After graduation, he will attend Langston University to play football and pursue a degree in criminal justice. “In five years, I will have my bachelor’s degree and be coming back to my hometown to give back to my community.”
