Sons of Dodgers' third-base coach, Brady and Trey Ebel, help Etiwanda baseball soar

Sophomore Brady and freshman Trey have learned from the best — Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Best — and hitting a combined .720 in early going

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – It is Presidents Day and most of America enjoys a vacation day. Except for the Etiwanda High baseball team which prepares for the next day’s game against Corona.

It’s warm with a cloudless sky and nary a sound, save for the constant stream of automobiles on a nearby street.

The Etiwanda Eagles amble out to the field including star sophomore Brady Ebel and his freshman brother Trey. They are easy to tell apart because Brady is 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and Trey is 5-10, 165.

Trey obviously got his father Dino Ebel’s height. Dino is the diminutive former San Bernardino Valley College and Florida Southern star who played Class AAA ball in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ organization. He is now the Dodgers’ big-league third base coach.

Dino is known for his piercing whistle, capable of summoning dogs, sons, and Dodgers.

“He’s got a loud whistle,” Trey says. “I hear it and I automatically look.”

Asked who has the better whistle among the brothers, Brady doesn’t hesitate.

“Trey does,” he says. “But he does it too much. It gets annoying.”

HIGH ACHIEVERS

Trey, as of Presidents Day, also had the better batting average of the brothers, .857 to .636. Heading into this week the Ebels were a combined 13-for-18 at the plate with eight runs batted in.

Brady, a left-handed hitting shortstop/pitcher had a monster season in 2022 in leading Etiwanda to a section title. He went 6-0 on the mound with a 0.32 earned run average. He also hit .330 with five home runs and 36 runs batted in. Brady was the Baseline League most valuable player and a first team all-section player.

“I love to compete, and I love winning,” Brady says. “We won CIF last season, and it was amazing.”

Trey plays second base and shortstop for the Eagles.

“It’s a fun game,” the 14-year-old says. “I love it and I’ve been around it my whole life because of my dad.”

Dino Ebel has worked in both the Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels’ organizations. That gives the brothers plenty of access. They’ve rubbed elbows with Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Justin Turner, Gavin Lux, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.

“They’re all-star players and I’ve learned from them by asking questions and watching their routine,” Brady says.

Etiwanda coach Don Furnald is happy to have the brothers in the lineup.

“They’re special players,” Furnald says. “They’ve obviously come from a baseball bloodline and understand the game. They believe in their talents, and they perform.”

WORK ETHIC

Trey stands at home plate and hits. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! He peppers the ball around the lot. Meantime, Brady pitches to a teammate in the batting cage and uncorks a high one.

“That was a strike,” Brady claims.

“Dude, that was at my neck,” his teammate says. “You forget that I’m only 5-7.”

Batting practice ends and the Eagles gather to take infield.

“Let’s go,” a spirited Eagle says. “Pride on 3. One, two, three, pride!”

The Eagles sprint to their positions, including Brady and Trey. There’s much work ahead before goals are met.

John Murphy is the sports editor of the Century Media Group of Southern California. Twitter: @PrepDawg2.   

All photos below by John Murphy

Brady Ebel, a sophomore shortstop and pitcher, was MVP of the Baseline League as a freshman, leading the Eagles to a section title. 

Brady Ebel (left) with freshman brother Trey, who came into the week hitting a cool .857

Brady Ebel shares a light moment. 

Brady hits from the left side. 

Brady shares a high five with a teammate

Ball was just out of the reach of Trey Ebel

Brady shows off his athleticism

Trey Ebel loosens up his arm. 

Trey shows off his form at second base

Trey plays the middle infield. 

Trey powers the ball from the right side.