Athlete – Baseball
Derek Roszell Bryant, the son of Fred Bryant and Emma Mack, began his baseball journey in “The Big Field” of Aspendale. Discovered by Mr. Willie “Snooks” Williams, he started playing organized baseball at Douglass Park throughout his childhood and early teens. Then, moving on through Dunbar and Henry Clay High Schools, Derek became the first African-American to receive a baseball scholarship at the University of Kentucky. During his four-year tenure, he was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection and most recently was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 1973, Derek was drafted by the Oakland A’s. He spent eight years in their minor league system and one year in the major leagues.
Afterwards, Derek continued his professional baseball career in Mexico. Here are some of his highlights:
- 1 home run title
- 1st player to hit 4 homeruns in a 9-inning game
- 2 league championships as a player in the Mexican Pacific League–Obregon (1980) and Culiacan (1984)
- 4 league titles as a manager
- 2 with Monterrey of the Mexican League (1995 & 1996)
- 2 with Hermosillo (1995 & 2001) – Mexican Pacific League
- Inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame (2010)
Derek’s outlook on life is drawn from these quotes from the Bible… “I can of mine own self do nothing…, but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” (John 5:30; 14:10); “But by the grace of God, I am what I am.” (1 Corinthians 15:10) . . . emphasizing his clear awareness from whence cometh his gift and help.
Derek is the co-author of the book Nine Innings – Baseball and Spirituality. He has five sons, 10 grandchildren, and resides in Mexico with his wife, Betty.
