Martin County West Alum Brandon Williamson Rises to MLB Starter

Lanky Minnesota native developed his craft all the way to Cincinnati's starting rotation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:49pm

An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball pitcher, conceptually representing the energy and talent of Brandon Williamson's journey from small-town Minnesota to the major leagues.A rising star from the Minnesota prairie brings his electric stuff to the major league mound.Trimont Today

Brandon Williamson, a three-sport star athlete from the small town of Trimont, Minnesota, has grown from a lanky kid on the prairie to a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. Williamson, who attended Martin County West High School, had a huge following when the Reds played at Target Field in Minneapolis on April 17.

Why it matters

Williamson's journey from a rural Minnesota high school to the major leagues is an inspiring story of perseverance and development. His success highlights the talent that can emerge from small-town America and the ability of determined athletes to make it to the highest levels of professional sports.

The details

Williamson was born in Trimont and raised on a farm, where he honed his athletic skills playing three sports in high school. Despite his lanky frame, he steadily improved his pitching mechanics and repertoire, eventually being drafted by the Reds and working his way up through their minor league system to earn a spot in their starting rotation.

  • Brandon Williamson was born in Trimont, Minnesota.
  • Williamson attended Martin County West High School and starred in three sports.
  • Williamson was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and worked his way up through their minor league system.
  • Williamson made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2025.
  • Williamson pitched against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 17, 2026.

The players

Brandon Williamson

A starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who grew up on a farm in Trimont, Minnesota and starred in three sports at Martin County West High School.

Twyla Williamson

Brandon Williamson's mother, who gave birth to him in Trimont, Minnesota.

Todd Williamson

Brandon Williamson's father, who raised him on a farm in Trimont, Minnesota.

Martin County West High School

The high school in Sherburn, Minnesota that Brandon Williamson attended and played three sports for.

Cincinnati Reds

The Major League Baseball team that drafted Brandon Williamson and has him in their starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Don't believe it. That was the location of the hospital where Twyla Williamson had the baby that would become a tall drink of water.”

— Patrick Reusse, Columnist

The takeaway

Brandon Williamson's journey from a small-town Minnesota farm to the major leagues is a testament to the talent that can emerge from rural America. His success highlights the importance of player development and the ability of determined athletes to make it to the highest levels of professional sports, no matter their humble beginnings.