Fifty-seven seconds.
That’s all it took for former Kansas Wesleyan University pitcher Brett Maddock to make an unforgettable first impression.
On Opening Night with the historic Indianapolis Clowns, Maddock stepped onto the mound against one of the most recognizable teams in baseball, the Savannah Bananas, and struck out two batters in just 57 seconds, helping secure a Clowns victory.
For many, that moment might look like an overnight success story. It wasn’t. Because long before he became “Nurse Brett” for the Indianapolis Clowns, Maddock was doing something that perfectly reflects The Right Way To Play. He was building a future beyond the game.
While competing as a student-athlete at Kansas Wesleyan University, Maddock wasn’t just developing as a pitcher. He was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, balancing demanding clinicals, coursework, and the commitment required to compete at the collegiate level.
Most people see the 57 seconds. What they don’t see are the early mornings. The practices. The exams. The clinical rotations. The countless moments when he had to choose discipline over convenience. Those experiences prepared him for more than baseball. They prepared him for life. That’s what makes Maddock’s story so compelling.
The NAIA has long believed athletics should develop the whole person, not just the athlete. Success isn’t measured solely by wins, strikeouts, or statistics. It’s measured by the character, work ethic, and purpose student-athletes carry with them long after the final game. Maddock’s journey is a reminder that some of the most important victories happen long before the spotlight finds you.
His Opening Night appearance came during a historic weekend for the Indianapolis Clowns, as the organization headlined a Banana Ball event at a Major League Baseball stadium for the first time. Yet even amid the excitement, Maddock’s story stood out.
Not because of how quickly he recorded two strikeouts. But because of everything that happened before them.
In a world that celebrates instant results, Brett Maddock represents something different. The value of preparation. The power of perseverance. And the reality that when opportunity finally arrives, it’s often built on years of unseen work.
Fifty-seven seconds made the highlight reel. The years behind it made the moment possible. That’s The Right Way To Play.
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