was born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky. While playing baseball at Paul G. Blazer High School, he was chosen as an All-Area and All-District pitcher during his senior year.  He continued to pursue his passion for baseball while attending the University of Kentucky. His performance at UK led to his selection in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft where he was an eighth round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Brandon burst onto the Major League scene with a spectacular 2003 rookie season. He was awarded the baseball America Major League Rookie of the Year Award and finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year vote. After his rookie season, Brandon had strong showings in 2004 and 2005. Going into the 2006 season, Brandon had made his mark as the ace pitcher of the Diamondbacks. It was a year highlighted with continued improvement and success as he made his first All-Star appearance. His year came to a sweet finish as he won the prestigious National League Cy Young Award.
An impressive 2007 season followed for the reigning Cy Young champion. Brandon led the majors in shutouts, made his second National League All-Star appearance and had a stellar forty-two consecutive no-run innings.
He started the 2008 season with nine consecutive wins. He ended the season with 22 wins and only seven losses. He made a third consecutive National League All-Star appearance in the final All-Star Game played at the old Yankee Stadium. Here are some stats from 2008:
- Ranking 1st in NL and 1st in MLB in Ground Outs (360)
- Ranking 1st in NL and T-1st in MLB in Wins (22)
- Ranking 1st in NL and 1st in MLB in Gound Outs/Air Outs (3.13)
- Ranking T-3rd in NL and T-5th in MLB in Complete Games (3)
- Ranking 4th in NL and 5th in MLB in Innings Pitched (226.2)
Brandon is married to the former Alicia Berginnis, also of Ashland. They have a daughter, Reagan Lucille and son, Austin Edward. Brandon, Alicia, Reagan and Austin reside in Scottsdale, Arizona during the baseball season. They continue to make Ashland their home during the off-season.
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