Brumfield, a junior on the baseball team was named the 2017 Apprentice School Athlete of the Year. He becomes the first baseball player since Johnathan Dehoux in 2010 to receive the award. Brumfield will receive this recognition on June 19th at the 68th Annual Peninsula Sports Club Headliner's Night program.
During his junior season the Toano, VA native and shipfitter apprentice helped lead the Builders to a second place finish at the USCAA Small College World Series. For the second year, he was named a USCAA First Team All-American, posting a 10-2 record, 3.15 ERA in 71.1 innings pitched, and 59 strikeouts. At the plate, he totaled 157 at bats, .236 batting average, 37 hits, 1 HR and 24 RBIs.
As a sophomore Brumfield was named a 2016 USCAA First Team All-American. He posted a .299 batting average with 36 RBIs and 41 hits on the season. Brumfield had a 9 game stretch with 2 or more hits and had a season best 3 hits and 4 RBI against Christopher Newport University. On the mound, he had a record of 6-2 and a 2.83 ERA with 48 strikeouts. As a junior, Brumfield has a record of 7-1 with a 2.83 ERA and 48 strikeouts. Against SUNY Adirondack, Brumfield had a career high 12 strikeouts. He has 24 hits on the season with 14 RBIs and a .209 batting average.
His coach, Bryan Cave, is very proud of Mike Brumfield and what he has accomplished with the baseball team during his time at The Apprentice School. "Mike is a hard working young man, both on the field and on the waterfront. He is well liked and respected by his teammates and is one of the most versatile players I have ever coached. If there is a big game and Mike is available to pitch, he gets the assignment."
"Mike is the kind of player every coach wants on his or her team. He goes about his business the right way, every day without hearing a lot out of him. He is a great apprentice, solid student and focused athlete. He currently is and will continue to play a vital role in the success of the company, the school and the baseball program. I know his peers look up to him as a role model and feel comfortable that his action on and off the field will inspire other to follow in his footsteps," said Ben Jones, assistant coach.
Lead Craft Instructor Will Prescott said, "Mike is as versatile on the waterfront as he is on the baseball field. He has excelled in his craft on every rotation he's had." Randy Boone, Brumfield's craft instructor states, "Mr. Brumfield has a superb grasp on the concepts of craftsmanship and leadership but I admire him most for his phenomenal level of dedication and humility. It takes a great young man to impact the work environment the way he does while successfully performing on the field after work every day."
"From the beginning, getting a job at The Apprentice School was by far the best decision I have ever made and an opportunity that could not be wasted. I wanted to make a name for myself not only in the yard, but on the baseball field as well. However, it was a struggle trying to keep up with school while working on the waterfront and juggling baseball on the side, but it had to be done. After I had finished the World Class Curriculum, I had a decision to make; whether or not I wanted to continue my education, thinking about going up in the company either through my academic education or advancing with my knowledge on the job. I decided to focus on my trade skills and make an impact on the waterfront without any distractions. I can honestly say I love what I do, working hands-on every day through all the grit and always go home with an accomplished feeling. I am proud to be called a Builder, not only at The Apprentice School, but also at Newport News Shipbuilding," says Mike Brumfield about his experience at The Apprentice School.