B’s Preview 2026: Brown Keeps the Faith

Meet Oakland’s New Baller, Chenar Brown

By Melissa Singh, B’s Beat Writer 

I want Oakland fans to see a tall player with a lot of tools, someone who plays hard, is fun to watch, and gives everything to the game.

The Oakland Ballers continue building toward the 2026 season by adding players whose stories reflect resilience, talent, and heart.

One of this year’s most anticipated newcomers is first baseman and outfielder Chenar Brown, a versatile 6’7" player whose journey through multiple college programs has shaped him into a player ready to make an immediate impact in professional baseball.

Brown arrives in Oakland with a story defined by perseverance. Having spent time at Jackson State, ULM, and Grambling State, he says each stop molded him as a person and athlete. “Each stop shaped me through adversity. I learned how to keep going even on rainy days and never quit. Those experiences taught me perseverance and helped me realize that the sunny days always come if you stay committed.”

His belief that he could reach the professional level developed early — all the way back in junior college. “I knew I had the ability to go far back in junior college. As long as I kept my head down, stayed focused, and kept working, I believed I could play professionally.”

A Journey Rooted in Community

 Though he lists Ocoee, Florida in his playing history, Brown clarifies that he grew up in Orlando, where his community coaches and family played a crucial role in his development. “My community coaches helped me a lot. I played travel ball consistently, and my parents always made sure I was on a baseball field somewhere, staying active and improving.” That was the foundation for the player he is today: grounded, hardworking, and grateful.

A Dream Beginning in Oakland 

For Brown, stepping into professional baseball for the first time — and doing it in California — feels like a personal milestone. “It feels great. California was always a place I wanted to visit, since I’ve never been, so to be starting my professional career there is a true blessing, and I’m very thankful.” As for why he chose Oakland specifically, his answer echoes the sentiments of many players who’ve joined the Ballers: “The culture, the coaching staff, and the strong community support for baseball really stood out. I had a great conversation with Coach Miles — he was very welcoming, and I could tell he genuinely wanted me in Oakland.”

The Grambling Connection 

One meaningful detail in Brown’s story is that he shares an alma mater with former Ballers player Cam Bufford, who also made the journey from Grambling State to Oakland.

“It means a lot knowing Cam went from Grambling to Oakland,” Brown says. “At Grambling, we always played with passion… our coach used to say, ‘If something good happens, keep playing; if something bad happens, keep playing — no matter what, keep playing.’” That mentality, he believes, lives inside the Ballers organization too. “When Cam joined the Ballers, I knew he saw that same passion. It feels meaningful, and I’m looking forward to keeping that Oakland–Grambling pipeline alive.”

A Towering Presence With Real Versatility 

Brown’s 6’7" frame immediately stands out, but he explains that his size isn’t just for show; it’s a tool he’s learned to use intentionally. “I give myself space in the box. With my long arms, I can cover a lot of the zone, and swinging a 35-inch bat works in my favor as well.” His offensive focus heading into 2026 is clear and simple: “Staying consistent with getting extended through baseball.” 

Brown sharpened this approach during the MLB Draft League, where he faced strong arms daily, slashing .272 / .311 / .331. “If you didn’t adjust, you fell behind. It forced me to focus on pitch selection and to make sure that when I got my pitch, I didn’t miss it.”

And as for the toughest adjustments these days? “Staying patient and slowing the game down — letting the game come to me instead of trying to do too much.”

Defensively, Brown is a two-position threat at first base and in the outfield. “I feel equally comfortable at both,” he says. “At first base, I’m a big target with good footwork. In the outfield, I can cover a lot of ground with my speed and make plays. I take pride in being versatile wherever the team needs me.”

His playing inspirations fit his profile well. He admires Giancarlo Stanton for power and Oneil Cruz for versatility.

Faith, Family, and Focus

When asked about the pillars of his baseball journey, Brown emphasizes gratitude.

“First is God, because without His grace, I wouldn’t be able to walk this baseball journey. Second, my family, who has always been supportive. And third, Lammar Guy, a coach of mine since I was young.”

Off the field, Brown finds balance through faith, creativity, and downtime. “I like spreading the word of God through my media — Instagram and TikTok. I like playing video games and reading books outside of baseball.”

What Oakland Can Expect 

Brown’s goals for his first season in Oakland are straightforward — and exciting. “My goals are to be a tough out at the plate and a defensive threat,” he says. “I want Oakland fans to see a tall player with a lot of tools, someone who plays hard, is fun to watch, and gives everything to the game.”

With his natural power, athleticism, work ethic, and character, Chenar Brown arrives poised to make a strong impact on the Ballers’ 2026 roster. His journey–built on faith, persistence, and consistency–is only beginning, and Oakland will be the stage where it unfolds.

Let’s give Chenar a warm welcome as he steps into professional baseball and helps write the next chapter in the Oakland Ballers’ story!

Melissa Singh is the creator and host of Keya’s Room that is now Keya’s Locker Room podcast, launched in 2019, with experience in television, nonprofit media, and sports broadcasting. She previously served as a project manager for Small Stages Unplugged, works with the Oakland Ballers, and earned an AA in Digital Media.

Find her on Instagram at Keyaslockeroom