Five facts about Ryan Braun

Yet again, it’s that time. Time to find out five fun facts about one of the Brew Crew. Today’s spotlight is on that of Brewers’ left fielder Ryan Braun. Braun, ever since coming up in 2007, has been an absolute menace to opposing pitchers and a massive offensive and defensive force for us. Winning the NL MVP last year was just another huge step in the great career of Ryan Braun. Braun is also a Rookie of the Year Award winner, a four time All-Star, four time Silver Slugger Award winner and he is a part of the 30-30 club. Now, I’m sure you already knew this about Braun, so let’s delve into some interesting facts about him:

1. He excelled very well academically

During his time at Granada Hills High School , Braun only ever received one B in his classes, as he had to maintain a ‘B’ average to play sports. Advanced-Placement Chemistry (or AP Chem) was the class that Braun received his B in. Obviously, science is not every person’s strong suit, but to do that well in an AP class means Braun is a pretty smart guy. After high school, Braun would attend the University of Miami (Florida) and only complete three years before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. Needless to say, Ryan has the brains and the “braun”. I know…that’s a terrible pun.

2. He is one of the few active players with a Jewish heritage

Braun, much like Ian Kinsler and Kevin Youkilis, is very proud of his Jewish heritage.  Even though his family is of mixed religion, Catholicism and Judaism, Braun considers himself to be Jewish. On the subject of his religion, Braun had this to say,

"“It’s a touchy subject because I don’t want to offend anybody, and I don’t want groups claiming me now because I’m having success. But I do consider myself definitely Jewish. And I’m extremely proud to be a role model for young Jewish kids”."

Regardless of what religion you are, you have to respect Braun for that statement. Not many players can say their religion influences their play (Tim Tebow aside) and that they use their abilities to help be a role model. That’s extremely respectable. From his Jewish heritage is also where Braun has received the nickname ‘The Hebrew Hammer’, noting his tremendous power.

3. He has his own line of clothing

Braun, in his spare time during the off season, designed t-shirts for Affliction Clothing, a clothing company in California. Friends of Braun’s own the company and helped influence his decision to try and pursue his fashion sense. After designing his t-shirts, Braun said that he really tried for a conservative approach when designing, going on to say that some of Affliction’s designs were “too aggressive”.

4. Braun set a major league postseason record in 2011

As we all know, the 2011 postseason run was great while it last and unfortunately came to a halt by those pesky Cardinals. However, the upside in this, is Braun’s record. Braun set a postseason record by reaching at least first base in the first inning of a game for nine consecutive playoff games. He also achieved 22 hits in the postseason, tying a record previously set by Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. In the postseason, Braun ended up batting .405 with 10 RBIs.

5. Braun was the 4th Jewish player to ever win the MVP

As we know, the MVP is such a prestigious honor to win.Truly the best of the best are considered for it and later end up winning it. In this case, Braun made his name on a list of only three, Hank Greenberg, Al Rosen and Sandy Koufax. Two of those men made it into the Hall of Fame, Greenberg and Koufax.To win this award has finally shown the baseball world what we as Brewers fans have known, Braun is a special talent. Regardless of the mess that happened in the off season, Braun was cleared of all charges and is clean in my book.

So there you have it, five fun facts about our very own Ryan Braun.

Until next time guys and gals.