Fort Bend Elkins High School baseball standout Braylon Payne, originally set to join the University of Houston, has seen a significant turn in his athletic journey as the Milwaukee Brewers have selected him with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
“When I heard those words, my legs went numb and tears of joy started to come out of my eyes,” Payne said.
Payne is arguably one of Elkins’ most prolific baseball players. He finished his senior year with a .531 batting average, .613 on-base percentage, .802 slugging percentage, nine doubles, four triples, three home runs, 28 runs batted in, 39 runs scored, and 32 stolen bases. While dominating his senior year, he became the all-time hits leader at Elkins, surpassing former players Matt Carpenter, James Loney, Tristan Gray, and Steven Truitt.
“I also have the all-time singles and stolen base records at Elkins High School,” said Payne.
Braylon’s connection to baseball and the University of Houston runs deep. His aspiration to attend the university began in the fifth grade after a memorable field trip. Despite numerous offers from other colleges, Braylon was steadfast in his desire to play for the Cougars. The University of Houston extended an offer in the summer of his sophomore year, which he eagerly accepted.
“I’ve wanted to go to U of H since I was young,” said Payne. “I went on a field trip with my elementary school, and ever since then, I’ve been like, I like this baseball field, and I want to play on it someday.”
Baseball has been a lifelong passion for Braylon. Starting at the age of five with Missouri City Little League, he progressed to playing with the Rebels, a select team organized by Calvin Medlock, at eight years old. His father played a crucial role in developing his hitting skills, using both T-balls and sand balls. Payne also credits watching Ken Griffey Jr.’s swing as a source of inspiration for his consistent hitting.
“I like watching Ken Griffey Jr.’s swing because it’s so smooth and effortless. My goal at the plate is to create the most damage with the least amount of effort,” said Payne.
“The key was constant reps to improve his swinging ability,” said Braylon’s father, Maurice Payne. “He’s always had speed. His speed is what we leaned on more than anything when he was younger. But when he was eight years old, he had a natural, effortless, left-handed, smooth swing. As time went on, we continued working with him and with his size came the power in his swing.”
Playing with the Rebels until he was 13, Braylon honed his skills before moving to a more competitive team on the advice of Medlock. He joined Twelve, a travel team out of College Station, where he worked his way from the gold team to the maroon team.
Braylon’s high school career was distinguished by hard work and dedication. He began on the varsity team as a freshman batting .149 while playing left field. Through relentless effort, he evolved into a four-year varsity letterman. His humility and work ethic have been a testament to his character, and he lives by the advice, “It doesn’t matter what other people’s opinions are, just stay true to yourself.”
As Payne takes his next step, whether it be joining the University of Houston or joining the Milwaukee Brewers, the Fort Bend community will be proudly watching one of their own take the next step in his promising career.
About Braylon Payne:
Class: 2024
IG: @payne_braylon
Twitter: @payne_braylon
Position: Center fielder
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 185 pounds
Players he studies: Ken Griffey Jr (Hall of Famer), Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Favorite artist: Lil Baby
Status: Committed to the University of Houston, Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers
Favorite subject: English
Shout-outs: Family members, Mason Henry, and everyone who’s been with me throughout this journey
