Verge: No set of brothers are an Island, the Russells -- from Grand Manan to 13U nationals

Twin brothers Braeden Russell (left) and Tripp Russell (right), who hail from Grand Manan, N.B., had their photo taken with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae after the opening ceremonies at the 2023 13U Nationals in Woodstock, Ont. this August. Photo supplied.

December 28, 2023

By Melissa Verge

Canadian Baseball Network

A ball, a glove, and a twin brother with the same love.

That was all Tripp and Braeden Russell needed to get them started in baseball.

A partner for anything is challenging to find when your hometown is only accessible by ferry, surrounded by the Bay of Fundy. The island of Grand Manan, N.B., where the twins grew up, has a population of less than 3,000 people. It’s home to a lot of wildlife, fisherman and beautiful views - and few ball players. But they had an advantage over other young ball players on the island. They didn’t have to look far for someone to play catch with, because they always had each other.

Well, not exactly always. For 13 minutes before his twin Tripp was born, it was just Braeden. But after that, it was always the two of them.

“Since they were knee high to a grasshopper they always had somebody to have a catch with,” said their mother, Angie Saunders.

Growing up the two would practice for hours, going out to play, and then rounding up as many as 60 baseballs from the woods. Then resuming practice again. Their father Nigel Russell coached the boys in Little League and is a huge part of their success.

Twin brothers Braeden Russell (left) and Tripp Russell (right) played together with the Sussex Royals in 2020. Photo supplied.

The dedication paid off, for both of them. Ten years after they were gifted a ball and a glove from mom Angie and dad Nigel in Grand Manan, the twins took the field this past summer for team New Brunswick. The best youth talent in the country was in Woodstock, Ontario for the 13U nationals, and the twins were a big part of it.

“It was pretty cool [to share that experience with Tripp],” Braeden said.

Their first game was against team Newfoundland, and both brothers had big roles. Braeden was catching. Tripp was in centre field.

They’re an important part of any team when they take the field, said Jason Nelson, their longtime coach with the Sussex Royals.

“I would say awareness of the game is probably his [Tripp’s] biggest asset, and also defensively in centre field he doesn’t let many balls [get past him.]”

Braeden’s strongest skill is his arm, Nelson said. He was clocked at the tryouts for team New Brunswick at 68 mph.

“He’s got an elite arm [as a catcher],” he said. “He also pitches and he was one of the best pitchers in the 13U triple A New Brunswick circuit.”

Earlier this year, that impressive arm won him pitcher of the year award for his age group in the province.

Braeden Russell, with his mother Angie Saunders, after receiving his N.B. pitcher of the year award earlier this year. Photo supplied.

In the first game of the championship, the brothers, alongside teammate Joshua Stewart, who had a strong game picking up two RBIs on a double, helped the team to a 7-1 victory over Newfoundland.

They went on to drop a game to B.C., but won their third game against Nova Scotia 12-2. In their next game, Quebec narrowly beat them 5-4.

Later that evening they played Nova Scotia and won 13-6. Braeden took the mound in that game, recording six strikeouts in three innings for N.B.

The next afternoon they lost to B.C. They ended up finishing fifth overall in the tournament, narrowly missing a spot at playing in a medal game. (They were actually the fourth province overall since Quebec beat Quebec in the gold medal game.)

From left to right: Tripp Russell, Zach Reicker, and Braeden Russell at the 2023 13U Nationals in Woodstock Ontario in August. Photo supplied.

Playing for their province at nationals is an experience that they both hope to repeat in 2024. Although they’re like any siblings and have their differences, baseball brings them together. Their passion for the game is inspired by the same things - their shared love for competition, and making new friends along the way.

They both are where they are today because of each other, their mother said.

“Like I always said to them when they were younger and I still say it to them now, ‘You're only as good as you are because of your brother.’”

Each twin has their eyes set on a future in the game. Tripp wants to play college ball. Braeden hopes to go somewhere in the states to play. With numerous options to pursue baseball at a higher level, their futures may take them to different places.

But for now, the 13-year-old twins are still suiting up together. It’s the two of them, as it was when they were younger practicing ball at home on Grand Manan. Only now, they’re making their mark on ball diamonds across the country.