SSHOF Inductee Brad Owens with presenters Mayor Misty Buscher and SSHOF President Kevin O’Dea
Brad Owens, a 1989 Springfield High School graduate who remains one of the most accomplished baseball players in school history. As a senior shortstop, Brad made history as the only Springfield High player ever named a first-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune. He finished his high school career with a .506 batting average, ranking second in school history.
Brad went on to shine at Western Illinois University, where he earned a spot on Collegiate Baseball’s Freshman All-America team in 1990. He led the nation’s freshmen in batting average and slugging percentage that season, and remains the only player in WIU history to lead the team in hitting three times. He holds the WIU record for career batting average (.382) and ranks among the top six in home runs and RBIs.
Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1992, Brad went on to play for the Hamilton Redbirds, earning MVP honors. A multi-sport athlete, he was also a standout soccer player, earning all-city honors and leading the SHS team to a sectional semifinal shutout.
In addition to his athletic career, Brad has continued to serve his community as a coach and mentor, providing hitting lessons and coaching youth baseball and football.
