Have you ever wondered what it would be like to coach a team and have two identical players on your roster? Two players who play the same position at the same skill level, who know each other like the back of their own hands, and who understand exactly what it takes to win. For Malachi and Kyson Witherspoon, their coaches experience this reality every day.
Hailing from the University of Oklahoma, these twin right-handed pitchers have found a new summer home at Veterans Field, donning Chatham Anglers uniforms.
The Witherspoon brothers formed a formidable pitching duo this past season for the Sooners, often causing a double take with their identical appearances.
The 6’2” twins have been inseparable since the start of their sports careers, transitioning from hockey to gymnastics, to tennis, and ultimately finding their true calling on the baseball diamond.
Growing from little league, to high school, college, and now summer ball, the Witherspoon brothers agreed that this journey was one that had to be made together.
The twins began their collegiate baseball careers pitching for Northwest Florida State College, but made the decision to enter the transfer portal to play for OU for their sophomore year.
“The idea of us playing together at this level was always in the back of our minds,” reflected Kyson. “We felt like it was still very possible, but at the same time we knew it was also very unlikely. Places that might have wanted Malachi, may not have wanted me but it just happened to play out really well in our favor. Oklahoma wanted us both.”
The Witherspoon brothers finished their sophomore year strong on the mound, strong enough to pitch in the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer. This decision received laughs from those closest to the brothers, showing that no matter what they still found ways to stick together.
As strong as the pitching duo is now, they weren’t always seen as that.
When asked to reflect on their fondest memories growing up in the baseball circuit, the brothers explained that they started all around the diamond. Kyson started out his career as a shortstop and transitioned to pitching, and Malachi was a catcher and then joined his brother on the mound.
“I think one of the best memories was when he pitched and I caught him. It was always fun playing catch together, and I’d always be able to anticipate his next move during our games. We had great coordination, unlike anyone else. He kept pitching because he knew I had his back.”
The Witherspoon brothers even laughed, admitting that there is not much that differentiates them as players.
“It’s funny, usually the talent differential is telling with twins. With one twin excelling a bit more than the other, but with us it’s the exact same. Same build, same hair, same voice,” laughed Kyson.
To those who may not understand the deep bond between siblings, never mind twins, may find more comfort in paving their own path. However, the Witherspoon brothers couldn’t have imagined this journey unfolding in any other way.
When asked to look back on their time, both on and off the field, as brothers, Kyson and Malachi both shot each other a brotherly smile.
“We look back at the good and the bad and all the work that made us who we are today. We both know we wouldn’t trade our experience for anything.”
(Photo by Kyndall Williams)
