Hayden Birdsong: Uncovering a Hidden Draft Gem with the Help of a Savvy Scout
In the small town of Mattoon, Illinois, a young baseball player named Hayden Birdsong was faced with a difficult truth – he wasn’t ready for the senior team. This revelation came from an unlikely source: his father and coach, Stacey Birdsong. Stacey had been running the American Legion baseball program in Mattoon for years, and he knew that Hayden needed more time to grow and develop as a player. So, at the age of 14, Hayden found himself playing for the junior Legion team.
At the time, Hayden was just 5-foot-9 and lacking the physical strength and maturity needed to compete at a higher level. However, his father believed in his potential and knew that with time and dedication, Hayden could become something special. And he was right.
Today, Hayden Birdsong is a towering 6-4 major-league pitching prospect for the San Francisco Giants. His fastball reaches speeds of up to 97 mph, his slider has big-league potential, and his downward breaking curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch. He quickly rose through the minor leagues after being drafted by the Giants in the sixth round in 2022, moving up a level twice in his first season and finishing at Double-A Richmond. Now, he has a locker in big league camp as a non-roster invitee and is one of the most talked-about pitchers in the organization.
Hayden’s path to success hasn’t been linear or traditional. Not many players can say that they were cut from their own father’s team. But that experience taught Hayden valuable lessons about perseverance and determination. It also helped him develop a strong work ethic and a drive to prove himself on the field.
Fortunately, Hayden had someone in his corner from an early age – former major-league pitcher and longtime Giants minor league pitching coordinator, Bert Bradley. Bradley, who also lives in Mattoon, began giving Hayden pitching lessons when he was just a third-grader. He taught him the same spike curveball that Jonathan Sánchez used to throw a no-hitter. This early introduction to advanced pitching techniques set Hayden on a path to success.
Thanks to the reports from Bradley, as well as Giants area scout Tom Shaffer and former cross-checker Brian Bridges, the Giants had enough positive feedback to move Hayden up their draft board in 2022. When the Giants selected him in the sixth round, he was at home watching the draft on TV. It was a surreal moment for Hayden, who never expected to hear his name called. But now, he’s on the verge of making his major-league debut.
Giants farm director Kyle Haines admits that he wasn’t familiar with Hayden before the draft. However, after speaking with Bradley and hearing about Hayden’s work ethic and makeup, Haines knew they had something special on their hands. And he was right.
Hayden’s highlight of last season came when he threw five no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters in a game for High-A Eugene. Across three levels, he struck out 149 batters in 100 2/3 innings. His performance caught the attention of the Giants’ coaching staff and solidified his place as a top prospect in the organization.
But Hayden’s journey to success wasn’t always smooth. His father, Stacey, had to learn how to motivate him in a different way than other players. Hayden had a laid-back approach to the game and didn’t let losses or setbacks affect him. He simply moved on and focused on the next opportunity. While this mindset may be unconventional in today’s game, it has served Hayden well and helped him stay focused on his ultimate goal – winning.
Hayden’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always come from high-tech training facilities or year-round dedication to a single sport. Sometimes, it comes from a small town and a group of friends playing baseball together, having fun, and honing their skills along the way. Hayden’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of those who believe in you.
As Hayden prepares for his potential major-league debut this season, he can’t help but reflect on the people who have helped him along the way. One of those people is Bert Bradley, his former pitching coach, and mentor. Bradley, who recently underwent successful open-heart surgery, has been a guiding force in Hayden’s life and continues to support him.
In a touching gesture, Bradley’s daughter had Hayden’s college softball team autograph a cowbell for him, symbolizing his new lease on life. It’s a reminder of the impact that one person can have on another’s journey and the importance of giving back to those who have helped you succeed.
Hayden Birdsong’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. From being cut from his father’s team to becoming one of the top pitching prospects in the Giants organization, he has overcome obstacles and proven that hard work pays off. As he prepares for the next chapter in his baseball career, Hayden will continue to inspire others with his story of perseverance and success.