Freeport grad Brestensky gets his shot at pro baseball

Jun. 13—Growing up, J.J. Brestensky was no different than many other young baseball players in that he had aspirations of one day playing professionally.

The Freeport graduate is getting that chance for the first time this summer as a member of the Trinidad Triggers in the Pecos League, one of the top independent professional leagues in the country.

"I am definitely blessed," said Brestensky, one of the league's top hitters through two weeks of the regular season.

"I've been waiting for this opportunity for way too long. I never wanted to give up baseball. It's exciting to think what I could do here."

Brestensky, who played one year of college baseball at Westmoreland County Community College (2019), attended showcases in Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Orlando with the hopes of jump-starting his pro career.

He got connected with the Pecos League through the help of Justin Retzer, a 2014 Ford City graduate and teammate on the Kiski Valley American Legion team.

Retzer played at West Liberty State in West Virginia with Trinidad player/manager Yale Hughes.

"I went to (the Orlando showcase) in March and threw two days," Brestensky said.

"I talked to a scout, and he said I was a little underdeveloped, but he would put me in a league. So I was going to go the Empire (independent) League. The scout called me May 5 and said to report to upstate New York. The next day, Justin texted me and asked if I wanted to play in the Pecos League. Yale talked to me about the league, and he really sold me on it. I knew what I was getting into. I knew pretty fast that this was going to be a good fit for me. I owe a lot to Justin. It's great to have developed bonds with teammates over the years who care about me and want the best for me."

Trinidad finished as league runner-up in 2016. The team was 4-5 this season through a tough 8-5 setback to the Garden City (Kansas) Wind on Thursday.

In his debut June 4 against the Colorado Springs Snow Sox, Brestensky went 2 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored.

He is one of the league's hitting leaders. Through five games played, Brestensky hit .647 (11 of 17) with three doubles, two triples, three RBIs and four runs scored.

Brestensky also is getting up to speed on Trinidad's pitching staff. Through two games, including one start, he is 0-1 with 11 earned runs surrendered, 16 strikeouts and six walks in 13 innings of work.

"J.J. has been a spark plug for us," Hughes said. "Pitchers don't normally get to hit in this league, but J.J. can swing it. When he's in the lineup, that's another good bat that the opposing team has to get through.

"He is a raw talent with his pitching. He has a good fast ball, and we're working on his off-speed pitches. When he gets to the plate, the other team thinks, 'Oh, it's the pitcher. It's an easy out.' He makes contact, and he also is one of the fastest guys on the team. He's turned two doubles into triples with his speed. When you have all of that working for you, it's a fun game."

The Pecos League, founded in 2010, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2021.

This year, there are 14 franchises located in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The Triggers are located in Trinidad, Colo., a city of nearly 10,000 in the southern part of the state.

Brestensky noticed one thing soon after he arrived in Trinidad: The residents love their team.

"It is one of the best atmospheres for baseball I've ever been in," Brestensky said.

"It's like the Freeport International. The fans are always there. They pack the stands and are so supportive. They want to talk to you and get to know you. You are like a celebrity."

Brestensky had a solid high school career at Freeport.

He earned Valley News Dispatch first-team honors as a senior in 2016 for his contributions to the Yellowjackets' run to the WPIAL playoffs.

Freeport's leadoff hitter, Brestensky batted .317 with 10 RBIs. He also anchored the infield at shortstop and contributed four saves as the team's closer.

The Yellowjackets finished the 2016 season 13-7 overall and gave Montour a battle in the Class AAA first round before falling to the Spartans, 7-4.

Brestensky attended Penn State DuBois from 2016-18 and pursued a business degree, but he didn't have the opportunity to play baseball.

He played 24 games at Westmoreland County Community College in 2019 and batted .316 with 10 stolen bases and 18 runs scored. For his efforts, he was selected to the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference all-star team.

Michael Love is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-856-7400 x8632, mlove@triblive.com or via Twitter .