On the Offseason: Chenar Brown
Chenar Brown’s Blueprint for Success
by Anthony Brooks
Courtesy @photobyanna.jpg and Chenar Brown
Ballers fans regularly ask what players do during the offseason. Here’s the first in our series of deep dives into life and training outside of the summers at Raimondi.
Standing at 6’7” and 235 pounds, Chenar Brown is one of the most intriguing young talents entering the professional ranks. A native of Orlando, Florida, Brown played college ball at Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and Jackson State, where he earned recognition as a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American (2021) and SWAC Freshman of the Year. Known for his versatility as a first baseman and outfielder, Brown brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and power to the Ballers. After years of summer league experience and steady development, he now turns his focus to the Pioneer League, where scouts and coaches see him as a rising prospect with the tools to make an immediate impact.
Courtesy Grambling State Athletics
Dispatches: Can you walk us through a typical day in your offseason training schedule?
Brown: I work out daily with Jemile Weeks at Baseball Paradise in Orlando, Florida. He’s pretty busy, so I usually text him a time that works and we hit the cages. Depending on how my body feels, I’ll add a weightlifting session either before or after, and I always finish with a protein shake. When I’m not training with Jemile, I spend time at TNXL Academy working in the cages and helping high school players with their game. For live at-bats, I head to Dee Gordon’s Farm League, where I not only get reps but also advice from former MLB pros.
Dispatches: Beyond weight training and hitting, what other workouts do you include?
Brown: I like to mix in cardio by running hills near my house. I’ll do this two to three times a week, usually 10 to 15 sprints each session. It’s important to strengthen my legs because they get tired during the season. Hill work helps me maintain speed and conditioning throughout the year.
Dispatches: Have you added any new training methods or technologies this year?
Brown: For me, it’s about the little things — sticking to my routine and being punctual. My hitting coach and I have made minor adjustments to keep me sharp, but I haven’t made any major changes. Consistency is key in my workouts.
Dispatches: Do you use video analysis to improve your swing?
Brown: Yes. I don’t dive too deeply into film, but I do review videos, especially in the offseason. I’ll use video in the cages to make tweaks and adjustments now, because once the season starts, it’s about competing and being ready to go.
Dispatches: Do you set personal goals for the offseason?
Brown: I usually set a weight goal of about 250 pounds. Right now, I’m around 245–248, so I aim to hit that 250 mark as my optimal playing weight. I know I’ll likely lose about five pounds during the season, so I focus on putting the right foods in my body during the offseason to stay on track.
Dispatches: Do you spend most offseasons at home or near your team?
Brown: In college, I spent my offseasons playing summer ball. I believe that’s the best way for a baseball player to improve. I’ve played in leagues like the Appalachian League and the New England League with the Brockton Rox. I didn’t go back to my hometown much — I don’t like taking too much time off. Live at-bats are essential, so I was always playing.
Dispatches: What do you do for fun when you’re not training?
Brown: I love video games and reading. Right now, I’m reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill — it’s a great book. I also use my Instagram to spread the word of God. As a Christian, I feel it’s my responsibility to share how good God is.
Dispatches: What’s your favorite video game?
Brown: It’s a toss-up between Madden and MLB The Show. I go back and forth. I’m competitive, so I want to win, but it’s always fun playing those games.
Dispatches: Do you work another job in the offseason, or is it strictly baseball?
Brown: Starting in January, I’ll be working with Nick Franklin, who played in the big leagues for 10 years. He runs a team called the Orlando Drip — an 11U/12U squad — and I’ll be helping coach while continuing my own training on the side.
Dispatches: How is this offseason different now that you’ve signed your first pro contract?
Brown: The more I grow and learn about the game, the more punctual I’ve become in how I go about things. I focus on sharpening myself day by day, handling everything like a professional athlete. You need persistent drive and work ethic — you have to get up and do it every day if you want to swim with the big fish.
Courtesy thefarmleaguefl and Chenar Brown
Dispatches: If you weren’t playing baseball, what sport would you pursue?
Brown: Definitely football. My family had to pull me out of it, but I loved it. Basketball never clicked for me the way football did. I’d probably be a tight end, fullback, or wherever the team needed me.
Dispatches: What advice would you give young players about making the most of their offseason?
Brown: Stay consistent. When you think you’re good, you’re not — there’s always room to improve. Separate yourself from others. For example, after a game, while others are out getting food, you should be working on your game. Keep developing, keep grinding, and don’t worry about rankings. If you put the work in, success will come.
Be sure to give Chenar Brown a warm Oakland welcome this season, and read his other recent interview with Melissa Singh on Dispatches. Check back for more offseason Q&A features with Ballers players.
Anthony Brooks is a lifelong baseball fan who enjoys attending games with his son. He is founder of Brooks Creative Photography where he focuses on high school sports photography and fine art photography. He resides in the East Bay and is a Ballers fan owner. You can find him on Instagram.
