After performing exceptionally at the Single-A minor league level, Pelham native Brad Case has been called up to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Double-A team, the Altoona Curve.

Case played his high school baseball at Iona Prep, before committing to Rollins College to further his career. In 2018, he was drafted in the 17th round of the MLB draft by the Pirates. He has been utilized as a relief pitcher and has gone through the organization’s minor league teams, from rookie ball up to AA. 

Case, 24, has started off his career nicely. He posted a 3.29 ERA in 2018 followed by a 3.41 in 2019. That year, he was named to the SAL mid-season all-star team. There was no minor league baseball played in 2020.

For Case, the transition to the next level hasn’t been much different from his previous teams in the organization. “It’s been pretty similar to Single A,” he said. “Except each time I move up a level, the competition gets a little bit better.”

Daily life is another element that has stayed consistent across each level. Players usually start their day by arriving at the field for 1 p.m. practice. The pitchers work on arm care, throw bullpens and shag position players’ batting practice. When the afternoon turns into the evening, the whole team gets ready for a 6 p.m. game. 

In his first few outings with Altoona, Case struggled as he was settling into the team. However, the reliever has bounced back, bringing down his ERA. As of July 17, Case has a 2-1 record and 5.18 ERA. As the season carries on, he said he’s looking to continue putting up consistent numbers. 

The Altoona Curve currently sit on a 33-28 record and are fourth in their Double-A Northeast division. Despite this, they are only 3.5 games out of first place and are looking to make a playoff run through September.