Norfolk native Brachold playing ball in backyard

The Norfolk native, 26 and a resident of Franklin, plays first base and the outfield for the Rox, and was hitting an impressive .302 through the first 42 games, ranking among the team leaders in several offensive categories while enjoying one of his best pro seasons.

Brachold’s journey has taken many twists and turns since his junior season at Marist College in 2004.

As a sophomore, he had hit .421 and recorded 90 hits for the Red Foxes - the second-highest total in program history - and was a preseason third-team All-American. Big-league scouts were on his trail and he was looking forward to playing in the Cape Cod League that summer to showcase his talent.

However, the former Bishop Feehan High captain tore the labrum in his throwing arm during the team’s Florida trip. He played through the pain and still led Marist with a .360 average and .581 slugging percentage, but surgery at the end of the season ruled out playing on Cape Cod.

“I got off to a slow start my senior year,’’ when he batted .279, “even though I felt fine physically. I tried to duplicate my sophomore and junior seasons, but perhaps I was pushing too hard mentally,’’ said Brachold, who went undrafted and wound up playing briefly in a town league that summer. “It was a bittersweet end to my college baseball career.’’

He reflects on his injury and subsequent journey through the lower rungs of professional baseball with some regret, but mainly with optimism.

“Perhaps if I had redshirted after the injury, things might have turned out differently,’’ said Brachold. “But the positive is that now I’m part of a team with players who want to win and play together, and I’ve always thrived on teams like that.

“My first time around in Brockton [in 2006] was an adjustment to the pros and I didn’t play as much as I would have liked. This time around has been great for many reasons, including being closer to home and my family.’’

Brachold hit 12 homers with Kalamazoo of the Frontier League two seasons ago, then added 11 more to go along with 75 runs batted in last year to help lead the Amarillo Dillas to the United League championship.

“We would not have won the title without Keith,’’ said Dillas manager Brady Bogart. “His uniform was never clean and he was the true throwback player. Our fans loved the way he played and he was a great teammate in the clubhouse.’’

But Bogart had to tell his players that the league might be in jeopardy for this summer. Brockton’s management had been inquiring about him and, said Bogart, “it was best for him to stay near his home and play.’’

Rox manager Chris Carminucci said he is happy Brachold is back.

“He’s a huge part of our club, both on the field and in the clubhouse,’’ said Carminucci, whose club ripped off eight straight wins through Sunday. “He is a clutch hitter and he knows how to keep the guys laughing and loose.’’

Brachold’s father, Richard, was a standout varsity skier at the University of Maine, and his late grandfather, Rudy, was a talented baseball player.

“I remember playing catch with my grandfather,’’ Brachold said, “and I definitely got my competitive side from my dad.’’

Brachold, who also played varsity hockey in high school and was a member of the South Attleboro American Legion team that advanced to the New England finals, works at the family’s Village Ski & Snowboard store in Franklin. He enjoys hitting the slopes and feels that skiing has helped keep him fit and sharp for baseball.

“Obviously, I have to think I can get to the next level,’’ he said, “but what also keeps me coming back is that team feeling.’’

Dover’s Reimann hits longest drive

Dover teen Whitney Reimann won the longest drive contest (237 yards into the wind) during the Junior Inter-City Team golf matches in Connecticut earlier this month. The 16-year-old Reimann, a member at Brae Burn Country Club in Newton, was chosen by the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts Junior Committee as part of the Metropolitan Boston team.

Reimann played on the Dana Hall School’s Eastern Independent League field hockey championship team last fall, earning all-league honors as a sophomore. She is also ranked in the top 20 in Massachusetts in the 17-and-under division by the US Squash Association.

Waltham picks six for hall of fame

Waltham High will induct six individuals, along with the 1973 state semifinalist boys’ hockey team, into its athletic hall of fame during ceremonies on Oct. 2 at the Sons of Italy hall.

The inductees are Fran Smerlas (class of 1978, volleyball, basketball, and softball); Joe Distefano (1979, soccer and wrestling); Sal Distefano (1978, soccer and wrestling); Joe Milner (1971, football); Walter Bartlett (1949, baseball and basketball); and Bob Gledhill (1969, three-time state track champion). They will also be feted at the homecoming football game on Oct. 3.

For ticket information, contact Tom Grinnell at grinnellt@k12.waltham.ma.us or 781-314-3093, ext. 7708.

Marvin Pave can be reached at 508-820- 4223 or marvin.pave@ rcn.com.