Ex-Knight Keeps the Dream Alive in Australia.

Bryant Kraus Gets Called Up to Perth Heat Pro Team

Bryant Kraus (pictured at bat for South Perth) had a stellar college baseball career at Linn-Benton CC, University of Portland and with the Gresham Mountaineers and Corvallis Knights. The right-handed hitting outfielder from West Linn, Oregon led the Pilots in home runs (9) and RBI (41) his senior season and Bryant was a key member of the 2008 West Coast League champion Knights where he hit .341 with 3 HR and 12 RBI after being called up late in the season from Gresham.

But it appeared his playing days were done after Kraus was passed over in the 2009 MLB June draft.

However, Bryant wasn't ready to hang up his spikes and Corvallis Knights GM/Head Coach Brooke Knight convinced the power-hitting outfielder to give Australia a try. With Knight's connections, Bryant was placed with the South Perth Cubs of the State League with the idea that Kraus could continue his development, make a name for himself down under and catch the eye of an affiliated organization or independent team back home while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime international experience.

Knight played and managed for the South Perth Baseball Club and met his wife Karlie Barnes in Perth. Karlie's brothers Clayton and Clinton played for South Perth during Coach Knight's rookie season in 1996.

Fast forward to 2010, and Clayton is presently an assistant coach (and playing) for South Perth and hosting Mr. Kraus.

"I have told our Knights' players, that if they have interest, I may be able to help them get over to Australia for a pretty special experience. Bryant was intrigued and approached me on this. He took the initiative and made it happen," said Coach Knight.

Kraus continues to make things happen as he was recently promoted to the Perth Heat, which is a professional team that plays in the Claxton Shield of the Australian Baseball Federation.

You can read about Bryant's time in Australia on his South Perth Baseball Club blog titled The Bryant Blog.

Bryant's brother Kyle is a sophomore pitcher at University of Portland. Kyle was named to the WCC's all-freshman team last season and earned first-team All-West Coast League honors with the Corvallis Knights. Kyle is returning in 2010 for a second summer with the Knights.