Ryan Braun
Some connections are bigger than the game. In the photo on the left, you’ll see two Valley kids — #25 and #9 — just a couple of teammates with big dreams.
Doug and Ryan have been best friends ever since — one taking the path to professional baseball, the other enlisting right out of high school and becoming a Navy SEAL.
Ryan Braun was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round (5th overall) of the 2005 MLB Draft. He made his debut in 2007 and quickly became one of the most decorated hitters of his era.
Key Accomplishments:
• 2007 National League Rookie of the Year
• 2011 National League Most Valuable Player
• Six-time All-Star
• Five-time Silver Slugger
• 2012 NL Home Run Leader
Beyond Baseball:
Ryan has always used his platform to give back. He’s supported initiatives like the Hunger Task Force’s Thanksgiving food drive and co-founded California Strong, which raised funds for victims of wildfires and the Borderline Bar shooting.
Now, reunited for a new mission, Ryan joins Doug on the founding board of Mission Equipped — helping ensure that kids from military and first responder families have access to the gear, training, and support they need to chase their own dreams.