A few weeks ago, I told you about Marine Cooper Brannan, who was trying to earn a spot as a pitcher in the Padres organization despite losing a finger in one of two tours of duty in Iraq. At last report, Brannan was planning to sign a deal as soon as he was discharged from the Marines in May. Not only has Brannan's story touched many both inside and outside of the baseball world, it has also inspired his fellow Marines. One of his buddies, Ribeye, had this message for Cooper in a comment:coop a loop,hey man its ribeye im back over in iraq again,crazy i know,were proud of you.its the talk of the battalion.i guess when i get back im going to have to go get in with the rangers,so we can play each other,haha.remember driving back to base from your house and throwing in the parking lot at that gas station and that guy came up and asked who we played for, lol "nobody man were in the marine corps" haha good stuff, good luck man i'll hit ya up when i get back in JuneWell, I do have an update on Cooper's status with the organization to report to you. The San Diego Union-Tribune says
It appears that pitcher Cooper Brannan, the Marine who served two tours in Iraq, will most likely remain in extended spring training along with 30-40 others who won't be assigned to teams to open the season. The camp runs through June 2.Sounds like Cooper will have another few months to try and impress the organization. Hopefully this will give you guys more good things to talk about in the battalion, Ribeye.
Previously at FanHouse:
G.I. Joe: Cooper Brannan Trying to Be Padres Hero
