Full Breakdown
Brady Counsell Makes Professional Debut Against Father's Cubs
3/6/2026, 7:14:00 AM
Father-Son Showdown in Spring Training
On March 5, 2026, Brady Counsell, a 22-year-old prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks, made his professional debut in a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs, managed by his father, Craig Counsell. This unique matchup marked a significant moment in both their careers, as Brady was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft and had yet to play in an official minor league game.
Emotional Lineup Card Exchange
Before the game, the Counsells participated in an emotional lineup card exchange at home plate, a moment organized by Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. This tradition, typically involving fathers and sons in baseball, was particularly poignant for the Counsell family, with Craig reflecting on his late father, John, who passed away in December 2025. Craig expressed his wish that his father could have witnessed this milestone, stating, “I really wish my dad could have been here to see it for sure.”
Brady's Performance
Brady entered the game in the seventh inning, playing third base. In his only at-bat, he drew a five-pitch walk against Cubs pitcher Luke Little. Despite the Diamondbacks losing the game 8-1, the experience was significant for both father and son. Craig, who admitted to feeling nervous, humorously remarked, “I’ll close my eyes and watch the video later,” indicating the emotional weight of watching his son play.
Shared Baseball Legacy
Brady Counsell, who hit 12 home runs during his final collegiate season at Kansas, expressed excitement about following in his father's footsteps. He noted, “When I got the call that they were going to be taking me, it was super exciting to kind of be able to follow his footsteps and hopefully eventually bring another championship to Arizona.” While both share a high baseball IQ, Brady believes he possesses more power than his father did during his 16-year MLB career, which included a World Series championship with the Diamondbacks in 2001.
Perspectives on the Experience
Torey Lovullo commented on the emotional nature of such moments, stating, “It’s probably more emotional for the parent than it is for the son or daughter in these situations.” This sentiment was echoed by Craig, who reflected on the journey of watching his son grow into a player capable of competing at the professional level.
Conclusion
Brady Counsell's debut not only highlights the personal connection between father and son but also underscores the deep-rooted baseball legacy within the Counsell family. As Brady embarks on his professional journey, both he and Craig look forward to the potential of building upon their family's storied history in the sport.
