Sometimes when your coach is also your dad you know that all of the other kids are watching you extra close. But according to Clayton senior Brat (“just a childhood nickname that stuck with him all these years” said dad) Hallman he’s learned to live with it.

“I don’t think my dad has been any easier or harder on me than the other kids, but I do think he probably holds me to a higher standard and that comes with a little pressure I suppose,” said the younger Hallman.

For his dad and coach, Jody, the father/coach dynamic is pretty cut and dried,

“When we’re on the field I’m coach and he’s player and when we get in the pickup to go home, I’m pops and he’s son. I feel I’m the same with him as I am with the other kids, and I don’t think I’ve ever shown him any special treatment.” 

The Hallmans moved from Atoka to Clayton this year and Brat stepped right in to a starting role as shortstop and catcher on occasion. He hit .667 in the fall season with 20 stolen bases. But problems with Covid-19 stoppages that limited Brat’s playing time seemed to follow them.

“In Atoka we were quarantined five times, I believe, last year and this past fall we lost three weeks to virus cancellations and quarantines.,” said Jody.

Being the son of a coach has helped Brat become a special commodity to his dad/coach.

“He’s real smart and he’s become like having a coach on the field.”

And the son, on the other hand, knows how to deal with the others.

“I try to help everyone as much as I can because I know exactly what he wants and expects,” said Brat.

As a senior but also a newcomer to Clayton, Brat has taken his leadership role seriously.

“It’s always been hard for me to be real vocal so I try to lead by example. I’ll give some slack, but I also have to make sure everyone is going in the right direction.”

Brat played basketball until his sophomore year and football through last year but is devoting all his energy to baseball this year and has had some interest from colleges in Texas and Arkansas. In his spare time, he likes to play “The Show” video game and hunt and fish. One of his role models growing up has been Brandon Crawford of the San Francisco Giants because he seems to play just for the love of the game. And maybe that explains the highlight of Brat’s career.

“I’ve been to state three times but every time I step on the field it’s a blessing.”