G.I. Joe: Cooper Brannan Trying to Be Padres Hero

U.S. Marine Cooper Brannan is trying to do the opposite of what former Arizona Cardinal DB Pat Tillman did. While the late Tillman walked away from a potentially lucrative NFL contract, Brannan is trying to earn a spot with the Padres as a pitcher following two tours of duty in Iraq, one of which resulted in the loss of his pinky.

The Padres have offered Brannan, 22, a right-handed pitcher, a minor league contract. Brannan, a corporal, has already agreed to terms and will sign a professional baseball contract after he is discharged from the Marines in May.

Just reading about Brannan's experience puts life into a greater perspective;

"You go from living from the Bible times to coming back living in civilization, pretty much. You really know what you've taken for granted. You appreciate the smaller things in life." Such as? "Being able to walk outside your house without feeling like a bomb is going to go off on your frickin' street," he said, chuckling. "Being able to watch TV. Being able to use a toilet."

I couldn't even imagine what living life in those circumstances would be like. Think about what Brennan has gone through -- worrying about bombs going off at any time and losing a finger to a grenade malfunction -- to pursuing the dream of playing professional baseball.

We'll continue to follow Brannan's story as his effort to make the Padres club progresses. Regardless of the outcome, Brannan's quest for excellence should be an inspiration to other military veterans who so often find it difficult to adjust to the world upon returning from war. Who knows, maybe one day we'll see a Hall of Fame plaque for Cooper "Four-fingered" Brannan next to Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown.