Brett Myers: Backwoods Rebel

Fans of the Philadelphia Phillies remember Brett Myers as a key starting pitcher during the 2000’s, especially with the 2008 World Series champions, or as the closer for the 2007 NL East champions.

But most fans of the team have likely lost contact with the sometimes controversial righthander since he signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros following the 2009 season.

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Well, Brett Myers has resurfaced in recent days in a somewhat surprising role: country singer. Myers has released his debut EP “Backwoods Rebel“, a nickname which also happens to be a part of his Twitter handle @BackWoodRebel39.

In the 5-song set, Myers sings mostly about a pair of country classic topics: drinking and women.

Every weekend raisin’ hell, out here chasin’ tail” ~ “Chasing Tail” lyrics

I Need a Drink“, “Black Creek“, “Chasing Tail“, “Beer Hand Strong“, and his first single “Kegerator” pretty much sum up the selections in their titles alone.

While the topics are simplistic and foster the good ol’ boy stereotype, fact is that this is not a bad initial effort. If a recording career in the country genre is something that the now 34-year old ex-hurler is hoping to pursue, he may have something.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Myers has long fostered a countrified image. During the 2008 season, he and fellow rotation mate Joe Blanton were frequently spotted in the clubhouse wearing red “Redneck Wrecking Crew” t-shirts.

Backwoods Rebel

” EP cover

For folks who already are fond of making fun of country music and it’s lifestyle, you’ll probably hear terms like “hillbilly“, “yokel“, and that same “redneck” tossed around in disparaging tones.

There may even be “wife beater” references to the ugly incident back in August of 2006 when Myers, a former boxer, allegedly beat his wife Kim on the streets of Boston while the Phils were there on a road trip.

Myers and his wife, who bailed him out and stood by him following that Boston incident, appear to have put the ugly past behind them, and continue to raise two young children together.

Brett and Kim Myers celebrated winning a World Series together. They have enjoyed a pro baseball lifestyle that earned him almost $60 million in total salary over 11 seasons. Whether they can survive his attempts at a music career remains to be seen.