Hunter Brown pitches for the Big Train in 2018. Photo by Niamh Brennan.  

Written by Mahaley Wise

Hunter Brown and Brandon Lowe were both named to the American League All-Star team for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. They were also standout players for Big Train in 2018 and 2014, respectively. From the same roots and rising to the big stage, they have proven themselves to be elite athletes. 

Brown, a pitcher, is in the midst of a standout season with the Houston Astros, continuing to establish himself as one of the most reliable arms in Major League Baseball. So far this year, Brown has nine wins while maintaining an impressive 2.21 ERA and recording 129 strikeouts – numbers that speak to both his consistency and dominance on the mound. 

His rise to the big leagues can be traced back to his time with the Bethesda Big Train in 2018, where he showcased the same level of talent and potential. During his stint with the Big Train, he posted a remarkable 1.26 ERA and struck out 21 batters, offering an early glimpse of the elite pitcher he would become. Brown, who pitched at Wayne State, is a 2025 inductee into the CRSCBL Hall of Fame. 

Brown showcases an impressive arsenal marked by power, precision and deceptive movement, making him a standout presence on the mound. His most dominant and frequently used pitch is his four-seam fastball which consistently appears in the upper-right quadrant of the strikezone. This pitch highlights his strength and velocity, often overwhelming hitters with its speed.

Complementing his fastball is a sharp sinker, particularly effective against right-handed batters. This pitch dives late in the zone generating weak contact and frequent ground balls – ideal for quick infield outs. Brown also mixes in a well timed curveball and changeup, both which add depth to his repertoire. These pitches tend to land in opposite ends of the strikezone, keeping hitters off balance. His ability to blend power with finesse and location makes Brown a dynamic and effective pitcher.

Lowe, the talented second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, has continued to solidify his place as one of the premier hitters in MLB. He first broke into the big leagues in 2018, the same summer that future Astros pitcher Hunter Brown was dominating on the mound for the Bethesda Big Train. Since then, Lowe has built an impressive resume, known for his power at the plate and ability to deliver in clutch situations.

In 2019, just a year after his MLB debut, Lowe earned his first selection for the All-Star Game. Unfortunately, a right shin bruise sidelined him before he could make an appearance. This year, Lowe has once again been selected for the All-Star Game, after a phenomenal start to the season for the Rays. He is currently batting .272 with 19 home runs, 50 RBIs and an .811 OPS – numbers that highlight his value as both a consistent and explosive offensive presence in the lineup.

Lowe’s journey to the majors began long before his MLB debut. In the summer of 2014, he made a name for himself playing for Bethesda Big Train, where he was an offensive force. That season, he batted an impressive .329, launched four home runs, drove in 39 runs, and worked ten walks. The Maryland infielder’s outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed – he was named the Cal Ripken Sr. League Most Valuable Player, a clear indicator of the star he was destined to become. 

Both players were exceptional for the Big Train and continue to prove their excellence in the majors. Their hard work and impact have rightfully earned them spots in this year's All-Star Game. They are definitely players fans will want to keep their eyes on in the midsummer classic and for the rest of the season.

The MLB All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 15 at 8 pm ET in Atlanta.