PHOENIX − He is one of the most talented young second basemen in the game.
But he’ll tell you he’s not the best infielder in his own family.
He not only won the Gold Glove award last season, but was also awarded the Platinum Glove as the greatest defense player in the National League.
But he’ll tell you there are better athletes in his family.
The name is Brice Turang, the Milwaukee Brewers brilliant second baseman who tormented the San Francisco Giants with seven hits in his last two games.
He may be insanely talented, but he is telling you the truth.
“My family,’’ Turang tells USA TODAY Sports, “they helped me become who I am. I’m not even sure what I’d be doing if not for my sisters.’’
There can’t be player in baseball who comes from a more athletic family than Turang.
His dad, Brian Turang, played in the major leagues for the Seattle Mariners and used to regale his son with stories playing alongside Ken Griffey Jr.
His mother, Carrie, was a softball player at Long Beach State and played in the College World Series.
His oldest sister, Brianna, 33, won a national championship in softball at Oklahoma State and played one year professionally, while also playing soccer.
His second-oldest sister, Carissa, 31, played softball at Southern Miss and Cal State Fullerton.
His third-oldest sister, Cabria, 30, played soccer at Utah for four seasons.
His fourth-oldest sister, Bailee, 27 was an all-conference volleyball player for Southern Nazarene (Okla.) University.
Oh, and Brianna’s husband, Tress Way, is a punter for the Washington Commanders.
Then, there’s Brice, 25, who just so happens to be tearing up the major leagues this season.
Turang is hitting .350, second in the National League, leads the league with 35 hits and 24 runs. He also is tied for fourth with eight stolen bases to go along with his three homers, 14 RBI and .845 OPS.
“He’s amazing, bro,’’ Brewers starter Jose Quintana says. “He’s going to be a star. He can hit. He can play defense. He can run. He’s an amazing player. I can’t wait to see how great he becomes.’’
Certainly, Turang will tell you that his dad and coaches helped him along the way, but if not for his sisters’ influence, who knows if he would have even played baseball. He went to all of their practices. He went to all of their games. He watched how they performed under pressure. He learned the nuances of the game. And he adopted their fierce competitiveness.
Even today at family gatherings, they’ll viciously compete against each in everything from ping-pong to cornhole to bowling.
“I didn’t really watch much of sports growing up, I was just always at my sisters’ games and practices,’’ Turang says. “I would watch them all of the time. And I loved it. It was always a good time. I miss it to this day. I wish I could watch my sisters play again.
“They were all fast, and they were good at just about every sport they played. I really looked up to them.’’
Just like that, they helped Turang develop into one of the game’s premier defensive players.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone that’s in the same conversation as him defensively,’’ Brewers catcher Eric Haase said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. I mean, there’s just no panic at all. It’s not like he’s got the craziest hands or the flashiest motion or anything like that, it’s just pure getting the job done and making it not look hard.’’
Turang, starting just his third season, draws comparisons to everyone from former All-Stars and World Series champions Chase Utley to Dustin Pedroia.
“This is not a knock on Chase by any means,’’ says Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who played six years with the Phillies, but was never teammates with Utley. “Bryce is just a little bit smoother of an athlete. So, for anybody to be compared to Chase, I would take that in a heartbeat.’’
Says Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz: “I think he’s already one of the best all-around second baseman. He’s playing so well, and doing so much for the team right now. Some of the plays he makes I’m like, ‘Who makes that play?’ It’s just crazy.’’
And, for those who have known Turang since his high school days?
“I am not surprised, not in the least,’’ says Corey Rodriguez, the Brewers West Coast supervisor who strongly recommended Turang. “I’ve seen him since he was in ninth grade. You could see the confidence and that competitiveness that matches the skillset. He’s got that great mental makeup.’’
Indeed, when you talk to Turang, he sounds like a 20-year veteran, not a guy who has played only two full seasons. There’s not a tinge of arrogance, but confidence, knowing he belongs.
“He’s baseball first, before the money, the fame, any of that, the kid loves to play the game,’’ Brewers manager Pat Murphy says, “and he’s good at it. He continues to get better every year and he wants to be great.
“He’s on his way.’’
Turang not only plays like a second baseman who could become be a perennial All-Star, but exudes that same confidence.
“It’s just the way he carries himself, how he acts,’’ Brewers veteran outfielder Christian Yelich said. “You can tell he has the right mental makeup and mindset to be a good big leaguer. He’s learned just what it takes to be successful here.’’
Really, it was no different than when he was in ninth grade playing with upper classmen during the Area Code games in Corona, Calif., or playing Triple-A at the age of 21, never doubting his ability.
“He could play on big stages when he was young,’’ Rodriguez said. “We always had him play with the older players, and he was very comfortable with what he could do, and did it. He was always a pro.
“He didn’t listen to the noise, or what the [player] rankings were, and just went out and played. He’s one of those guys that played the game with a lot of conviction. He was a winning player. He did things with intent.
“He has a very good baseball IQ, and it matches with his instincts, and that’s a separator for him.’’
Turang believed he was as good as any amateur player in the country when he was drafted 21st by the Brewers in 2018. He had a full scholarship to LSU, but told the Brewers he’d sign with them, but only at his price, negotiating a $3.4 million signing bonus.
“We had a lot of scouts that really liked him, and we thought there was a chance he’d go in the top 10,’’ Brewers GM Matt Arnold said. “I think a lot of people thought he’d go to LSU because he had a pretty strong commitment. He was talented, and he knew it. He wanted a certain amount, and was comfortable going to LSU if he didn’t get it.’’
Said Turang: “You’re missing the college experience to go pro, but my dream was always to be in the big leagues. That’s always been my dream.’’
Now, it’s has become reality.
“You look at him now, and he’s arguably the best player on our team,’’ Arnold says, “for what he does on both sides of the ball. This is a guy who comes from a great pedigree, who’s continuing to get better and better, and wants to be great. He has all of the ingredients to be a leader in this clubhouse for a long time.’’
Turang, sitting in the Brewers’ visiting dugout, stares onto the field, looks up at the roof, his eyes darting around the ballpark, and pauses. He sure wishes the late Bob Uecker, the radio voice of the Brewers, was around to see him grow up before everyone’s eyes.
“His presence,’’ Turang said, “his laugh. Just saying hi to you every day and calling you by name. He respected everybody, and talked to everybody, no matter who you were, whether you were the big dog or a nobody. He was an unbelievable dude for everyone.
“I know this has been a dream, a dream come true for sure, but, man, he sure is missed.’’
Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale
This post appeared first on USA TODAY
