Brandon and Dustin Shirley grew up in Ladera Heights, where many of their friends chose to play basketball and football. The most recognizable, and last, set of African American brothers to be drafted in the same year were the Reynolds brothers, Harold and Larry, chosen in the sixth and fourth rounds in 1979. Brandon Shirley, who played outfield at UC San Diego, batted .343 with six home runs and 50 RBIs as a senior this past season. He was always good enough to work out with the older guys.”The Shirley brothers exchange text messages or speak with each other over the phone almost every day. Stewart said the Shirley brothers can be positive examples to the African American community with their academic and athletic success.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 11, 2017 23:03 UTC