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NO PAYNE, NO GAIN: Elkins Payne is elite baseball talent
SUPERSTITION AND PREGAME RITUALS ARE FAR FROM UNCOMMON IN SPORTS.
Everyone needs that little “extra” to get their minds ready to compete, and Elkins’ senior Braylon Payne is no exception.“I have these stuffed animals – 10 of them to be exact,” he laughed.
“I clip them onto the net before each game for good luck, and I touch them before I go up to bat. The one I started off with was a lion, and after that I can’t tell you since there are so many. It might be a little out of the ordinary, but hey, it’s helped me to get this far.”
As one of the most prolific players in Texas, the Fort Bend Elkins outfielder has become an animal on the field in his own right. His blazing speed, versatile athleticism and exceptional understanding of the five tools has made him a hot commodity in the world of high school recruiting.
While Payne has been pursued by college programs around the country, he won’t have to travel too far next season.
“The University of Houston has always been my dream school to go to, ever since I was a little kid,” said Payne. “I’ve been there so many times and I love the environment. It just made sense to me when I was given the chance to play there.”
The opportunities don’t just end there for the six-foot-one, left-handed hitter.According to Perfect Game, Payne is listed as a 10-grade athlete, which indicates that he is expected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming MLB Draft this July.
Despite the possibility of going professional, Payne maintains an unwavering attention to his game.
“I’m just going to let it pan out,” he said. “If I work hard like I’ve been doing my whole life, then everything will go the way I hope it will. At this moment, all I can do is focus on getting better, day by day, and the rest is out of my hands.”
Payne enters his final season with the Knights, which experienced a somewhat down year in 2023. Regardless, he hasn’t shied away from his role as a leader for the program and what they’re capable of in the ensuing campaign.
“I definitely love the leadership opportunity I’ve been given at Elkins,” Payne said. “A lot of people follow in my footsteps, asking questions, and if they need anything, they come up to me. It feels great to be looked up to, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m just glad that I can be there for my teammates.
“I know it’s probably going to be difficult once our last game comes around. It hasn’t quite set in yet that this is likely the last time I’ll be playing with the guys I’ve grown up with. I have a feeling it’ll be emotional. Until then, we’re going to give it our all this season.”
Elkins competes in a brutal district. However, with a likely future pro like Payne on the field, the Knights have the potential to shock opponents in 2024.
Fort Bend Elkins sophomore Braylon Payne.
Payne quickly making a name for himself at Elkins
It’s not easy to make Elkins baseball history.
The Knights are one of the more distinguished programs in the state with a national championship, three state championships and 12 district titles. Thousands and thousands of great players have worn the blue and gold, including former Major League Baseball players like Matt Carpenter, James Loney and Kip Wells.
And yet sophomore Braylon Payne already has his name in Knights lore. Payne set the program single-season mark in stolen bases with 29, and counting, after stealing second and third against Fort Bend Austin on April 29.
“I feel honored that I accomplished it as a sophomore, especially with the talent that has come through Elkins throughout the years,” Payne said.
Payne is a meticulous student of the game. Take stealing bases, for instance. His work starts pregame when he studies the catcher, taking mental notes of arm strength and accuracy. He then reviews the pitcher, figuring out tendencies and pickoffs.
“And then, as soon as I see a twitch during the game, I go,” Payne said.
However, Payne is much more than a specialist. He is one of the more promising talents in the Class of 2024.
This season, Payne is hitting .446 with a .504 on-base percentage for the 19-9-1 playoff-bound Knights. He leads the Knights in RBIs (27) and hits (45) and has four home runs and five triples.
“I see myself as a true five-tool player who can impact the game in any aspect,” Payne said.
The young man doesn’t lack confidence, and rightfully so.
Payne spoke more with VYPE.
VYPE: How long have you been playing baseball, and what is it about the game you love?
PAYNE: I started playing baseball at the age of 4 and my parents got me into it. I’ve loved it ever since.
VYPE: Are there any players you look up to or admire?
PAYNE: Ken Griffey Jr., because I feel like my skill set mirrors his. I feel that my combination of power and speed, along with the fundamentals of my swing, resembles his game.
VYPE: You played varsity as a freshman last year. What did you learn from that year and how did you build on it going into this season?
PAYNE: Last year, I had trouble adapting to the competition, but over the past year I’ve worked on my craft and the results have been promising. I struggled with confidence and my mindset was off. Gaining confidence over the summer really helped me transition into this season.
VYPE: What is something people don’t know about you?
PAYNE: A lot of people don’t know I’m a fisherman. I started fishing two years ago and have competed with others for the biggest and most fish. Me and my friends have a league called ‘Sheisty Bros.’ and we compete weekly with each other.
VYPE: You guys are headed to the playoffs. What is the mindset like as you all go into the postseason?
PAYNE: Having an underdog mentality from here on out and staying together as a team.