Bob Bralley

Bob Bralley played baseball at Emory & Henry College from 1956 through 1959. He was a starting pitcher for the Wasps all four years, led the team in Earned Run Average for his entire college career and was undefeated as pitcher during his freshman year.

After graduating, he was a minor league baseball pitcher in the New York Mets farm system for three years in the Carolina League and Western Carolina League. He went 9-12 in his three year career, throwing 210 strikeouts. For two years he was a professional baseball manager in the Western Carolina League and was awarded Manager of the Year. Twice he was the Western Carolina League All-Star Coach. Additionally, he was an associate baseball scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and New York Yankees.

Bralley received his Masters of Education from University of Virginia in 1970. He taught Physical Education and coached baseball in Henrico County, Virginia for 14 years. He led high school teams to eight district titles, four regional titles, two state finals, and one state championship. At Highland Springs High School, he had 157 wins, 54 losses, and one tie. He was named Baseball Coach of the Year in 1974 by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. Following his tenure as baseball coach, he served as athletic director at Highland Springs for another 14 years.

For years, Bralley was one of the most sought after hitting and pitching coaches in the South. In 36 years of coaching, he has taught over 15,000 young people. Over 100 of Bralley’s former players have gone on to play college ball; over 25 have played professional baseball; several have made the major leagues, including Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers.

Bralley retired from Highland Springs High School and 1993, but continued to offer private baseball instruction even after his retirement.