Michael Brown - 2022 Athlete of the Year

Michael Brown plays softball because it is FUN. He enjoys the people and “family” he plays with and against.  He enjoys teaching and coaching others that want to learn more. In addition, he has coached AAU and CT Strikezone youth teams in baseball and softball for 12 years. Michael brings a positive environment and joy to every event he attends. He is liked and well respected by everyone he comes in contact with.  Softball gives him opportunities to play all year long (yes, even here in the northeast USA) and to stay in good physical condition.  His goals are to play with the best, against the best, and to play at his best to be and stay competitive.

Michael started playing football at 9 years old. In high school he continued with football and added track and basketball to his own roster. When his Morgan High School football team took the Class SS State Championship in 1987, he was selected as MVP and All- State. Michael also played 2 years of football at Western CT State University.

Michael has played on several softball teams over the years 12 of which became ASA and USA State Champions. Some of the teams he’s played with are: The Mashantucket Pequots, Mohegan Sun Softball, Nicks Roofing, The Connecticut Sportsplex, Starter New Haven, Double Diamonds Softball, Steve’s Sports, and Interstate Warriors (BSC)  to name a few.  He will tell you the one thing that has stayed consistent is the friendships and relationships he’s gained over the years from playing.

“I’ve met so many great people that I talk to from all different walks of life, that it’s not just about the competition or the travel anymore. It’s about who we are as people and the ups and downs we face everyday. Playing on many teams over the years From playing football at Western CT State University, then to teaching 12U baseball for 15 years, also while playing and coaching in E, D, C and B softball teams, I’ve noticed there’s deeper conversations then “Hit the ball to the right side” and “throw the runner out at second”. There’s conversations like “how’s your family doing?” And “how are you making it through?” Now (I’m) in the Senior 50+ division, this connection with people has been what drives me to play year in and year out. Being a part of a team. Making memories with great people.”

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Michael started playing adult softball in 1992. In 2003 his teams won the ISA Winter World Championship and were runner up at the Steamboat Springs Triple Crown Events and he was selected to the All Tournament teams in both events. In 2004 his teams won the USSSA East and Triple Crown National Tournaments and was selected to the All Tournament teams in both events as well.   In 2005 his team won the ISA 35= National Championship and his team was Triple Crown runner up. He was again selected to the All Tournament team. Taking a pause from national play to raise his family, Michael continued to play softball locally, and by all accounts people were just drawn to his positivity every time he was at the field.

Of the 3 years Michael has been eligible to play in the CT Masters’ Games, Michael’s teams have taken home the Silver once and the Gold twice but that is only the tip of the iceberg for Michael’s awards and accomplishments.  In 2020 Michael’s team won the World USSSA 40+ Championship and he was awarded All Tournament and MVP.  In 2021 his team won the State USSSA 50+ Championship, Michael was selected to the All Tournament team. He was also awarded SSUSA’s National Tournament MVP.  In 2022 his team was both East National and National SSUSA Champions, and Michael was selected as National Tournament MVP again. In 2022 he was also selected in 2 BSC tournaments to the All tournament team and was selected as MVP of the BSC tournament played in Columbus Georgia. And if you thought he was finished, his USSSA team became the Triple Crown Champs, the USSSA Team of the Year, and he was selected USSSA All Northeast Team.

Michael is the physical manifestation of both the Connecticut Masters’ Games and the Nutmeg State Games. For the “Masters”, Michael promotes better overall health and fitness among senior athletes and inspires the development of physical and competitive abilities. In line with the “Nutmeg’s” mission, he is He teaches our youth the rules and skills of play and sportsmanship, and in all of his endeavors he fosters camaraderie through the common bond of sports.

Michael lives our mission statements as a part of his everyday life , and it is with great honor that we award him the CT Masters’ Games athlete of the year award to Michael Brown.