Brian S. Meyer, Class of 1982

Arriving on campus in the fall of 1981, Brian launched his remarkable year as a Peddie athlete. Starting under center for the New Jersey South All-Star football team, he was one of the top-two quarterbacks in New Jersey in 1980. Informed by Head Coach Roby McClellan that a returning senior would keep his starting QB role, Brian replied, “I can learn a lot of different positions, Coach.” And he did, playing receiver, free safety, place kicker, punter and return man – all exceptionally well. “I don’t think he’s ever left the field,” said Coach McClellan.

Brian elevated the play of his teammates, quickly becoming a leader. Roby’s favorite story is about the time Brian dislocated his finger. As the play ended, he ran to his coach on the sidelines, had him put the flopping finger back into place, and ran back out – in time for the next play.

Brian’s outstanding contributions carried over to the spring, where he was an extraordinarily well-rounded baseball player. A .418 hitter and outstanding shortstop, the versatile Meyer also took the mound where he registered six wins and two saves during the ’82 season, striking out 101 batters in just 61 innings. Eight Major League scouts attended the Peddie-Lawrenceville game to watch Brian out-pitch the better-known Big Red hurler. While Meyer joined Erik B. Hanson ’83 to form one of New Jersey’s most impressive pitching combinations, he is also considered by many to be the finest shortstop ever to grace the Peddie diamond.

At Rollins College, his 22 wins and 2,893 strikeouts rank among the best ever. He was drafted by the Houston Astros, and Meyer rose quickly through the minors to make his major league debut in September 1988. After three seasons in “the Show,” Brian’s retirement from professional baseball coincided with the arrival in Houston of future All-Star Curt Schilling.

Brian credits Coach McClellan and Coach Watts with being pivotal forces in his life. In turn, Peddie gives full credit to Meyer – a Peddie all-star, teammate and leader, former major-leaguer and positive role model – and welcomes him to the Hall of Fame.