Shushkewich: Brinham chooses Michigan over pro ball
North Shore Twins LHP Shane Brinham (North Vancouver, BC), a 20th round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will attend the University of Michigan. Photo: Baseball Canada
July 31, 2025
By Tyson Shushkewich
Canadian Baseball Network
Walking can be good for the body and mind, with benefits including lower blood pressure, boosting mood and easing joint pain.
For North Shore Twins left-hander Shane Brinham, one of the biggest moments of his baseball career came via a walk with his brother to the local workout facility.
“I was heading down to the gym when I found out that the Dodgers drafted me,” said Brinham. “I can honestly say it was pretty unexpected, mostly because most of the action was more towards the fourth and fifth rounds, and I thought things had wrapped up around there for me. Once I heard the news, I ended up sprinting back home to tell my mom, and then my phone started blowing up.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers had used their 20th-round pick on the Canadian, becoming the 14th player born North of the border to be drafted this summer and the 19th with a Canuck passport selected. It was a big moment for Brinham (North Vancouver, BC), who had to weigh a commitment to the University of Michigan against this new opportunity of playing pro ball.
Historically, high school players drafted in later rounds were always destined to honour their commitments to their respective programs; almost a token pick of sorts for big league squads. With the shortened draft process following the COVID-19 pandemic, this is no longer the case, as teams are willing to go past the $150,000 allotment from picks 11-20 to convince players to turn pro versus heading to college ball.
For example, Eric Hartman was a 20th-round selection of the Atlanta Braves last year and signed with the organization for $337,500 instead of heading to Michigan like Brinham.
It took a week for word to trickle out on Brinham’s decision, in fact it was the left-hander who broke the news on social media. He informed the Wolverines fans that he would not be signing with the Dodgers and would be heading to the Big10 Conference. It was a big decision for the teenager, but one he feels confident in.
“Honestly, I came into this whole draft process with an open mindset,” said Brinham. “Playing pro ball is always the dream, and if some of these conversations had gone a different way, things may have ended up differently. However, I like Michigan a lot, both on the baseball side and the educational aspect, so I am comfortable and excited with the decision I made.
“After taking my visit there last year, speaking with the coaching side, and getting together with my family, I think this opportunity with the Wolverines has a lot of upside. I think I can really find a way to contribute to the program, continue to develop as a player and a person, and use that experience to better myself on the field while still working towards that dream of playing on the big league stage while gaining a first-class education along the way.”
Atlanta Braves’ Paul Snyder always said: “our minor-league pitching coaches all have grey hair, it’s a sign of wisdom.” That’s North Shore coach MIke Mitzel with Birnham.
The draft news caps an exciting year for Brinham on the diamond. He suited the Junior National Team, repped the North Shore Twins and also saw time in the MLB Draft League with the JNT squad. This year also included a trip to the Rogers Centre to play in the Canadian Futures Showcase, pitching in front of scouts and playing against some of the top players from across the country.
Opponents knew what he was capable of doing on the mound, and regardless of who he faced, Brinham continued to shove when the lights shined the brightest.
“That national team trip down to Florida was definitely a big highlight for me,” said Brinham. “Pitching against the Blue Jays and Yankees affiliates was such a thrill, and I was super happy with my results. I also really enjoyed playing with the (North Shore) Twins at the Best of the West tournament this year, being able to help the team advance to the finals. We didn’t get the end result we wanted, but playing with my team and helping us win that semi-final game to advance was incredibly exciting.”
With the draft in the rearview mirror and a future with the Wolverines on the horizon, Brinham is taking in the moments before he has to step on campus.
When he’s not at the gym or working on the field, he enjoys picking up the golf bag and playing some of the beautiful courses British Columbia has to offer with his friends.
Electric southpaws don’t come around too often, but the University of Michigan is getting a strong starter on the mound that will surely follow in the footsteps of other Canucks who have found success with the program, such as LHP Connor O’Halloran (Mississauga, Ont.) and OF Jordan Nwogu (Ottawa, Ont.).
Brinham will join Canucks RHP Kurt Barr (Saint Joachim, Ont.), OF Keegan OHearn (Oshawa, Ont.) and RHP Tate Carey (Windsor, Ont.).
Modelling his game and work ethic after the likes of Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, Brinham is a name to keep on your radar for those who enjoy watching Canucks shove at the Division-I level.