Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1521025
His landmark moment came on October 27, when he stepped onto Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, for the first game of the World Series, marking him as the inaugural World Series umpire from Montana. "Walking out on the field at Game 1 is something I'll always remember," he says. Starting the series at third base, Brian's role evolved until he found himself behind home plate for Game 5 at Chase Field in Phoenix, as the Texas Rangers stood on the cusp of victory. "Home plate is the hardest position by far," he notes. "at's the one you get the most amped up for because you're involved in every pitch of the game." e climax of the series, and indeed a highlight of Brian's career, came with his call on a strike that clinched the Texas Rangers' first World Series title in the franchise's 63-year history. "I'd ended the World Series," he recalls, "and the first thing I wanted to know when I walked off the field was if I got the call correct. I was 99 percent sure I was right, but once I knew it was indeed correct…well, that's a feeling I probably won't ever replicate again my whole life." In the whirlwind of victory and celebration, Brian's thoughts gravitated toward the profound connections and shared experiences that defined his career. "Aer the game, seeing family and friends and being able to enjoy those moments with them was incredible," he reminisces. "Seeing the other six umpires on my crew doing the same thing at the same time – it was a really great experience." roughout these triumphs, Brian's thoughts lingered on his late father, Jim, whose dream had been for his son to reach this zenith of baseball officiating. Brian's reflection on his father's influence is poignant. "My dad's dream was for me to work the World Series, and to not have him here in person for that was tough," he shares. "But he was there the whole time. I believe he was helping me every step of the way and that he would have been very proud." In 2010, Brian made the decision to relocate closer to his wife's family, but he harbors a deep connection to his Montana roots. Plans are underway for Brian to rekindle his ties to his beloved home state later this year as he embarks on the project of constructing a family home on a lake close to where he grew up. is endeavor is driven by a vision of creating a familial haven amidst Montana's majestic landscapes. Brian's sense of identity is deeply intertwined with his Montana heritage, a sentiment he carries wherever he goes. "I am so proud to be from Montana, and it is something I try to represent while I'm traveling," he expresses. His upbringing in Helena is a cornerstone of his character, shaping his journey to success. "I'm a native Montanan through and through, and growing up in Helena really helped form me and set me up for a successful path." e support network and friendships he maintains in Montana hold a special place in Brian's heart, reinforcing his bond with his home state. "I'm so grateful for the friends I have there and the support I've had from everyone there," he acknowledges. Brian's anticipation of spending more time in Montana underscores a deep-seated reverence for his origins. "Being from Montana has always been a source of great pride for me, and I look forward to spending more time there." is return to Montana not only signifies a personal homecoming but also a tribute to the community and the values that have fundamentally shaped his life and career. SIGNATURE MONTANA | 31 S MT Montana Roots Run Deep Holly Matkin is a native Montanan who lives with her husband at the foot of the Elkhorn Mountains. She covers a wide variety of topics as a freelance writer for multiple local and national publications, and especially enjoys writing travel, history, and human interest pieces.