'Me and Brady on the dirt again': House, King reunite at Spring Breakout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King. Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization,
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King.
Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization, with House at third base and King at shortstop working toward their shared goal.
“We did a lot of road trips together,” House, 21, said. “We went to Cooperstown together. His dad and my dad are really good friends, and so we ended up us four traveling a lot.”
House, the Nationals’ No. 4 prospect (per MLB Pipeline), was selected as the 11th overall Draft pick in 2021 out of Winder-Barrow High School (Ga.). King attended House’s Draft party. Three years later, the Nats picked King 10th overall out of Wake Forest. He is ranked as their No. 5 prospect.
“We’ve always played with a good group of guys to be around,” King, 21, said. “Some of our friends are still playing college ball and pro ball, so it’s cool that we’re on the same team.”
House finished last season in Triple-A Rochester; King played with Single-A Fredericksburg after the Draft. They reported to West Palm Beach, Fla., for Spring Training, where House was invited to Major League camp for the second year in a row.
“I saw him for the first time [this spring], it’s like we never lost a step,” King said.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
The Spring Breakout, an annual exhibition between prospects, reunited the childhood friends. They were both in the starting lineup on Friday, and Seaver started in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Mets' prospects.
“It was super fun,” House said. “Especially being on the same side of the field.”
Over a decade later, the infield pairing provided a sense of familiarity to House and King.
“It brings a level of comfortability,” King said. “Playing with guys you’ve played with in the past, you don’t feel like you’re proving anything to anybody.”
Their dynamic during game action has stayed strong, too. As they’ve developed to the professional level, their different skills and personalities complement one another.
“I think someone being a shortstop, letting them take the lead and I kind of just listen to what they have to say,” House said.
Echoed King, “He’s got the arm and I’m flying around the field, hopefully making plays, as well. I think our left side -- if me and him are on the same side of the field -- is one of the best.”
The fact they have spent their lives pursuing baseball is evident in their approach to the game. Manager Dave Martinez has noticed their spark on the field.
“They’re both very aggressive,” Martinez said. “What I’ve seen from Seaver, he’s a go-getter and I love that about him. House, quiet but same. … He plays with a lot of passion, he loves the game. They both do.”
The Spring Breakout was a highlight of camp for House and King -- a reminder of the past and a glimpse into what the future could hold.
“[My dad] said, ‘What are you looking forward to today?’” King recalled. “I said, ‘Me and Brady on the dirt again.’ It’s been a while.”
19-year-old hurler fans six
Nationals No. 6 prospect Alex Clemmey got the start on Sunday, less than a year after the left-hander was acquired from Cleveland in the Lane Thomas trade.
Clemmey, 19, recorded six strikeouts in three innings. He allowed one run off three hits (including a home run to Mets No. 14 prospect Boston Baro) and one walk.
“It’s great,” Clemmey said of facing top prospects from another organization. “There’s a lot of different guys, a lot of different swings. It’s seeing how my stuff plays in different counts against different hitters at different levels.”
Caleb Lomavita (Washington's No. 9 prospect), who caught Clemmey in Single-A Fredericksburg last season, was behind the plate with him on Sunday.
“He’s that guy,” said Lomavita. “You don’t want to be in the box when he’s trying to get you out.”
Jersey swap tradition
The jersey swap featured a pair of Oklahoma State alumni. Nationals right-hander Robert Cranz and Mets outfielder Carson Benge (MLB Pipeline's No. 100-ranked prospect) shared a Cowboys bond after the game.
Views from the dugout
Senior Reporter Jessica Camerato covers the Nationals for MLB.com.
Mighty Mussels Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2025) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have announced their 2025 promotional schedule – highlighted by Grand Slam Saturdays, fireworks, post-game concerts, theme nights, and specialty jerseys. The 2025 season opens on the road on April 4 in Palm Beach, with the teams’ home opener
Mighty Mussels’ 2025 Schedule and Game Times Finalized
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 6, 2025) – The Mighty Mussels’ 2025 schedule has been revised and finalized, the league office has announced. In the wake of the stadium accommodations made by the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Tarpons, Major League Baseball has adjusted the Florida State League matchups while maintaining
Seth Feldman to Lead Mighty Mussels’ Coaching Staff in 2025
FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 21, 2025) – The Minnesota Twins have announced their minor league coaching assignments Tuesday, including the full staff for the 2025 Mighty Mussels. Seth Feldman has been named the club’s manager for 2025, just the second manager of the Mussels’ era. Brian Meyer has been assigned
Maddux Houghton Receives Harmon Killebrew Award
FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 17, 2024) - Mighty Mussels' outfielder Maddux Houghton has been named the club's 2024 recipient of the Harmon Killebrew Award. An annual award that was created in 2011 to honor the passing of Twins' legend Harmon Killebrew, the Killebrew Award goes to one minor league player
WATCH: Brandon Winokur's 3-Homer Game
WATCH: Kaelen Culpepper Home Run
WATCH: Billy Amick Home Run
Mussels Mash Three Home Runs To Win Regular Season Finale 9-4
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 8, 2024) – The Mighty Mussels matched a season high with three home runs as Fort Myers defeated Lakeland 9-4 in the regular season finale at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Mussels (66-59, 35-25) hit three homers in a game for the third time this season and for
Mussels Rebound with 5-4 Win Over Flying Tigers
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 7, 2024) – The Mighty Mussels snapped their season-high seven game losing streak with a 5-4 victory at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium Saturday. Fort Myers starter Adrian Bohorquez tossed three scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing just one hit and one walk. He averaged
Mussels Eliminated From Playoff Contention After Doubleheader Defeat
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 6, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels were eliminated from playoff contention after being swept in Friday’s doubleheader by the Lakeland Flying Tigers, who clinched the second half championship in the FSL West. The Mussels (64-59, 33-25) had a six-game lead in the standings over Lakeland
Mussels Shut Out by Lakeland 4-0, Fall Out of First Place
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 4, 2024) – The Lakeland Flying Tigers tossed a four-hit shutout Wednesday, taking over first place in the FSL West with a 4-0 win over the Mighty Mussels at Joker Marchant Stadium. Zack Lee (3 IP), Duque Hebbert (4 IP) and Garrett Apker (2 IP) combined to
Flying Tigers Claim Rain-Shortened Game 5-2
LAKELAND, Fla. (September 3, 2024) – The Lakeland Flying Tigers claimed the first game of a critical six-game series Tuesday, winning 5-2 over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in six innings at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Flying Tigers (77-48, 35-25) are now 0.5 games behind the Mighty Mussels (64-56, 33-22)
Mussels Swept by Threshers in Saturday Doubleheader
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 31, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels fell in both ends of their doubleheader against the Clearwater Threshers by final scores of 5-2 and 7-3 on Saturday at Hammond Stadium. The Mussels’ (64-54, 33-19) magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains at seven games
Friday's Mussels-Threshers Game Suspended Due to Field Conditions
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 30, 2024) - Friday's game between the Mighty Mussels and Clearwater Threshers has been suspended due to unplayable field conditions at Hammond Stadium. The game will be completed at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday. The second game of Friday's doubleheader will be made up as part of
Threshers Top Mussels 8-1 To Even Series
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 28, 2024) – The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 8-1 Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium to even the series at one game apiece. The Mussels (64-53, 33-19) saw their second half lead in the FSL West drop to 3.0 games with 10 games
Sunday's Mussels-Threshers Game Cancelled
FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 1, 2024) - Sunday's game between the Mighty Mussels and Clearwater Threshers has been cancelled due to unplayable field conditions at Hammond Stadium, as deemed by umpires Chad Lagana and Kaden Tichenor. The game will not be made up. All tickets to Sunday's game can be
Thursday's Mussels-Threshers Game Postponed
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 29, 2024) - Thursday's game between the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and Clearwater Threshers has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Hammond Stadium. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both games will be seven innings.
Winokur Delivers Walk Off Blast To Beat Threshers 9-7 In Extras
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 27, 2024) – After a back and forth night of baseball to preview a possible playoff matchup, Brandon Winokur blasted the first pitch of the bottom of the 10th inning onto the left field berm to give the Mighty Mussels a thrilling 9-7 victory over the
Fort Myers Falls Just Short To Lakeland 4-3
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 18, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels had the tying run thrown out at the plate in the ninth inning on Sunday as the Lakeland Flying Tigers won the series finale 4-3 at Hammond Stadium. With Fort Myers (60-49, 29-14) trailing 4–2 in the bottom
Mussels’ Win Streak Snapped By Lakeland 4-2
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 17, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels saw their six game win streak come to a close with a 4-2 loss against the Lakeland Flying Tigers Saturday night at Hammond Stadium. The Mussels (60-48, 29-14) second half lead in the FSL West now sits at
Winokur’s Three Home Run Night Powers Fort Myers Past Lakeland 12-2
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 16, 2024) - Fort Myers cruised past Lakeland 12-2 thanks to a trio of home runs from Brandon Winokur and a stellar performance from the pitching staff on Friday night at Hammond Stadium. Fort Myers (60-47, 29-13) has now won six consecutive games to extend their
Mussels Top Flying Tigers 4-1 To Take 3-0 Series Lead
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 15, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels extended their second half lead in the FSL West to 5.0 games over the Lakeland Flying Tigers with a 4-1 win on Thursday night at Hammond Stadium. Fort Myers (59-47, 28-13) has now outscored Lakeland (66-42, 24-19) 16-8
Soto, Eighth Inning Rally Lead Mussels Past Tigers 6-3
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 14, 2024) – Charlee Soto spun five shutout innings as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels extended their second half lead in the FSL West to 4.0 games with a 6-3 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium. Soto threw five shutout
Lares, Bender Lead Mussels Past Flying Tigers 6-2
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 13, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels extended their second half lead in the FSL West to 3.0 games with a 6-2 win over the Lakeland Flying Tigers Tuesday at Hammond Stadium. Seven of the first eight 2024 Minnesota Twins draft picks made their Hammond
Reyes, Thomason Come up Clutch in 5-4 Extra Innings Win
JUPITER, Fla. (August 11, 2024) – Jay Thomason delivered the go-ahead RBI in the top of the tenth and Wilker Reyes stranded the tying run at third to lift Fort Myers past Jupiter 5-4 Sunday at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. The Mighty Mussels’ win caps a 5-1 week and keeps