Although Notre Dame was limited to only 13 games during the 2020 season, that was enough for Jack Brannigan to show he’s arrived. The Orland Park, Illinois, native is one of three multi-position players to be named a 2020 Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball. He’s the first Notre Dame player to earn this honor since Matt Vierling, now a Philadelphia Phillies prospect, in 2016.
Brannigan was one of three players to start every game for the Irish, the others being Zach Prajzner and Niko Kavades. He hit .255, had three doubles, one triple and home run apiece and drove in 11 runs. He also stole three bases. As a relief pitcher in four games, he had a 1.93 ERA and earned his first win March 7 against North Carolina.
There’s no telling how much more success Brannigan would have had if COVID-19 hadn’t stopped the season. Still, all signs point to him having a nice career for the Irish. He’ll be back, and we’ll be watching.