The loss of Brian Oakley, a cherished student and member of our Baseball team, deeply saddens the Carolina University community.
A Facebook post asked everyone to pray for Drew Holcombe’s family, teammate Brian Oakley’s family, and the Carolina University Baseball family.
FB please say a prayer for the Family of Drew Holcombe teammate Brian Oakley and the Carolina University Baseball family as Big Oak has gained his jersey to play on the best team ever. Big Oak gained his wings this afternoon. Please keep The Oakley Family in your prayer this week. #BigOak #BRUINSFAMILY
Scott Holocombe
It shared that Big Oak, 19, had gained his jersey to play on the best team ever and earned his wings on March 9.
Highlights
- Elijah Carter, a teammate of Brian Oakley, shared on February 25 that Brian was in the ICU and asked for financial support for his family during this difficult time.
- On February 28, an update was shared stating that Brian was still in the ICU and continuing to fight hard.
- Standing 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, Brian was recognized for his impressive physical stature on the field. He was a right-handed batter and thrower.
The post requested everyone to pray for the Oakley family this week, with the hashtag #BigOak #BRUINSFAMILY.
As the University grieves, they ask everyone to keep his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew him in their thoughts and prayers.
Brian Oakley, a 2024 graduate from Fuquay-Varina, NC, was a talented player for Carolina University, playing 1st base, 3rd base, and right-handed pitcher.
He was a Canes Central 18U Scout Team member and stood out with an 8.5 PG Grade.
Family And Friends Asked For Prayers When Brian Oakley Was In ICU Fighting For His Life
On February 25, Elijah Carter, who played with Brian Oakley, shared that Brian, also known as Big Oak, was among the nicest people he had ever met at the school.
Elijah mentioned that something miserable had happened to Brian, leaving the team deeply emotional over the past five days.
He asked for support to help Brian and his family with medical bills, encouraged everyone who could scan the QR code to do so, and offered assistance. It would mean a lot to the family if people could contribute.
On February 28, an update was shared saying that Brian was still in the ICU, fighting hard.
His family asked everyone to continue lifting them in prayer, along with the medical team, so that they could provide Brian with the best possible care during this challenging time.
he is still in ICU and fighting hard! His family is asking for all our prayer warriors to keep lifting them and the medical team up so that they can provide the best possible care to Brian!
Tina Baldwin
After all, at 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Brian was known for his strong physical presence on the field. He batted and threw right-handed.
During his high school career, he achieved impressive stats, including an 85 mph fastball velocity, a 92 mph exit velocity, and a 7.16-second 60-yard dash.
Brian was ranked among the top 1000 nationally and in the top 140 in North Carolina for his position.
Additional Information
- Although Brian didn’t get to play for the GUESTS, he was part of the Dirt Dawgs alongside many of the guest players, including BigGuy Davis, Luis Martinez, Luke Wallace, Noah Seepers, Lincoln, Sam M, Sam Lilly, Big Jack Carrela, Simon Martone, Patrick Morrisey, Big Nick Luff, Marcus Graham, and others.
- Brian used a sidestep motion as a right-handed pitcher with a higher lift out of the windup, delivering from a higher arm slot.
- His shorter stride before release created a downhill angle that made him tough to hit.
