Orange County Register

True the boyhood dreams of infielder Matt Brown and rookie right-handed pitcher Kevin Jepsen was to make it to the major leagues.

But last month’s participation in the Beijing Olympics for Team USA’s baseball team that culminated in a bronze medal finish provided what both young Angel players consider to be a unique and memorable opportunity.

Unlike basketball, where the USA is able to draw from a deep pool of the nation’s best players from the ranks of the NBA, the US Olympic baseball team was comprised of a select group of minor league players.

Brown, who was recalled Monday from Triple-A Salt Lake City, has had three stints with the Angels in 2008. He hit .281, with two home runs and a team-high 10 RBI, in nine games, for Team USA.

Jepsen was promoted Monday from Triple-A Salt Lake City, marking his first time in the major leagues. Jepsen pitched in four games - all in relief - for Team USA and had a 0.00 ERA, with one save, in 5.2 innings pitched.

“I’m very glad that I made the decision to go and I’m really glad that the Angels allowed me to go,” Jepsen said. “It definitely was a great honor not only to compete but to take home a medal.”

Brown said he was awestruck at the magnificent job the Chinese did in putting together the Olympic Village, where he came in contact with a number of athletes representing the many nations there to compete.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Brown said. “I’m glad that I made the choice to go.”

Brown said that despite the relatively short time that Team USA had to prepare for the Olympic competition, that the players developed into a tight-knit group. Bringing home a medal, Brown said, was top-notch.

“We couldn’t be prouder for both of them,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “It was a great privilege, a great experience and it makes you better ball players when you’re competing on that level. We were hoping a couple of other guys from our organization would have selected.”

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