Westbrook Christian baseball's Brady and Cam Carden achieve dream in state title series

JACKSONVILLE — While it didn't end the way that Westbrook Christian baseball wanted, the run to the state finals was special for two members of its team.

For the first time since 10U rec league ball, brothers Cam and Brady Carden played a full season together. Brady was called up from junior varsity last year for the playoffs as Cam was in the midst of an all-state season at the plate. Even after falling in both games on Tuesday, to finish the year as Class 3A runner ups, it's a season the Carden family will cherish forever.

Brady has become the Warriors everyday right fielder, while Cam has kept left field on lockdown. While the distance between them during the state title series at Jacksonville was further than normal, it was still special for the two of them to see each other from across the field at the highest level.

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"We've dreamed about it our whole lives, its been really special," Cam Carden said. "It was really special to see him across the field. It was great, awesome."

Playing on the same high school team, let alone in a state title series, has been something they have dreamed for most of their lives. To have this journey happen in their last chance to play high school ball together has been more than special.

"We've been working for this since we were little kids," Brady Carden said. "Being on the field with him as been really special and just doing it with him, means a lot to me."

Pouring into one another

The Carden brothers have been each other's biggest supporters throughout the season, even as Cam took a step back and Brady excelled in his sophomore season. Through the highs and lows of the season, they have been the first one to either congratulate or pick up the another. The biggest example is in the quarterfinal round, when Cam hit a walk-off, three-RBI double to send Westbrook Christian to the next round.

Head coach Jerry Windle looked up and saw the brothers embrace.

"I look up and the first two I see (hugging), little brother holding, they're balling and talking about how great God is. Those are those things, championships are great, that right there are things you take with you forever," Windle said.

During the state title series, Brady made sure to come out and celebrate with Cam after he scored in the second game. It was indicative of the mindset that the two have shared throughout the season. Cam focused on being more of a leader, no matter how his play as been.

"I haven't swung it the way that I want to but knowing that I need to be a team player," Cam Carden said. "I can help the guys by being a leader and lift them up because we have a bright future here at Westbrook."

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Westbrook Christian baseball's Brady and Cam Carden achieve dream in state title series