Washington State University Athletics
Duke Brotherton Plays for Something Bigger than Himself
July 23, 2024 | Baseball
By Jayden Tamburelli (Edward R. Murrow College of Communication)
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Every time senior right-handed pitcher Duke Brotherton suited up for a Washington State University baseball game, he proudly carried a legacy much bigger than himself.
Brotherton is a fourth-generation Cougar at Washington State University, which means crimson and gray is practically in his blood.
Brotherton's family took him to Pullman a few times a year to root for the Cougs while he was growing up. Even though his family ties to WSU were a major reason why he decided to play baseball for the Cougs, Pullman found a place in his heart.
"I love the college town, the good people, the football games. This is what I thought of college, like my idea of college. This is the college experience," Brotherton said.
Brotherton first stepped foot on the mound during T-ball, but when he hit his first home run at around 10 years old, he knew he wanted to play the game as long as he could.
Brotherton said he knew his dreams of playing college baseball could be a reality once he started getting offers his sophomore year at Mercer Island High School. Washington State University coaches reached out to him and he knew right away where he wanted to play his favorite sport next.
"I like having the chip on my shoulder. I feel like everyone always oversees Washington State even being a Power-5 school," Brotherton said. "I like the prove-everyone-wrong mentality."
Brotherton said that while he spends much of his time focused on his role as a college athlete, he thinks of himself as a regular dude.
"I like to go outside, go fishing, go to the river, go on a hike, work out, throw a football on the beach, play some video games, watch movies, all that good stuff," Brotherton said.
Brotherton said he is very thankful for his time at Washington State University, and he believes that through the ups and downs of his experience, he grew a lot as a person.
Brotherton faced adversity from the start of at Washington State University.
"Freshman year we didn't really have a fall semester, which was not the experience I was looking for, but it was the experience that we had. Luckily, we were still able to get a full season of baseball in. But, that year I went through some injuries, too," Brotherton said. "Looking back now, those poor experiences helped me grow as an individual."
Brotherton battled shoulder injuries throughout his first two years in college. He relied on his family's support through these times, FaceTiming them frequently, which he still does to this day to stay in touch.
"My parents pretty much know everything I'm going through on a day-to-day basis. I'm very honest with them," Brotherton said. "This year they have been able to come out and watch me pitch, for what could be my final ride. Their support has been incredible."
Brotherton said he feels like he is almost at a crossroads in his life, not knowing if he is going to continue playing baseball or go to work with his dad at their family owned car dealership in Renton, Washington. Regardless of where he ends up, his main goal will stay the same.
"I want to reach my potential as a human being, see how far I can make it," Brotherton said.
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Every time senior right-handed pitcher Duke Brotherton suited up for a Washington State University baseball game, he proudly carried a legacy much bigger than himself.
Brotherton is a fourth-generation Cougar at Washington State University, which means crimson and gray is practically in his blood.
Brotherton's family took him to Pullman a few times a year to root for the Cougs while he was growing up. Even though his family ties to WSU were a major reason why he decided to play baseball for the Cougs, Pullman found a place in his heart.
"I love the college town, the good people, the football games. This is what I thought of college, like my idea of college. This is the college experience," Brotherton said.
Brotherton first stepped foot on the mound during T-ball, but when he hit his first home run at around 10 years old, he knew he wanted to play the game as long as he could.
Brotherton said he knew his dreams of playing college baseball could be a reality once he started getting offers his sophomore year at Mercer Island High School. Washington State University coaches reached out to him and he knew right away where he wanted to play his favorite sport next.
"I like having the chip on my shoulder. I feel like everyone always oversees Washington State even being a Power-5 school," Brotherton said. "I like the prove-everyone-wrong mentality."
Brotherton said that while he spends much of his time focused on his role as a college athlete, he thinks of himself as a regular dude.
"I like to go outside, go fishing, go to the river, go on a hike, work out, throw a football on the beach, play some video games, watch movies, all that good stuff," Brotherton said.
Brotherton said he is very thankful for his time at Washington State University, and he believes that through the ups and downs of his experience, he grew a lot as a person.
Brotherton faced adversity from the start of at Washington State University.
"Freshman year we didn't really have a fall semester, which was not the experience I was looking for, but it was the experience that we had. Luckily, we were still able to get a full season of baseball in. But, that year I went through some injuries, too," Brotherton said. "Looking back now, those poor experiences helped me grow as an individual."
Brotherton battled shoulder injuries throughout his first two years in college. He relied on his family's support through these times, FaceTiming them frequently, which he still does to this day to stay in touch.
"My parents pretty much know everything I'm going through on a day-to-day basis. I'm very honest with them," Brotherton said. "This year they have been able to come out and watch me pitch, for what could be my final ride. Their support has been incredible."
Brotherton said he feels like he is almost at a crossroads in his life, not knowing if he is going to continue playing baseball or go to work with his dad at their family owned car dealership in Renton, Washington. Regardless of where he ends up, his main goal will stay the same.
"I want to reach my potential as a human being, see how far I can make it," Brotherton said.
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Players Mentioned
RHP
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