Joseph "Pey" Brito and his family were Beavers through and through.  His wife, Nicole, played softball at American River College.  Brito was the father of three children. Photo courtesy of American River College Athletics  

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Joseph "Pey" Brito, a former Beaver infielder from Delta High School, died two weeks ago. Pey redshirted at American River College in 2000 and then played second base for the Beavers baseball team in 2001 and 2002. 

In 2002, he helped lead the Beavers to a second-place finish in the Bay Valley East Conference, as he hit .300 with five doubles and 14 RBI (runs batted in) while playing rock solid defense. 

"Pey was a really good human being, a great father, friend and teammate,” said current American River College head coach Doug Jumelet. “He played the game hard and with passion and had the respect of all of his teammates and coaches.  He was a leader on the field and off. He was full of energy and we will all miss that, especially his family." 

Former head coach Kevin Higgins when Brito was at American River College, said that he saw Brito at the gym a couple of months ago and Brito was very upbeat and spiritual, although he wasn't in great health due to cancer.  

Pey and his family were Beavers through and through.  His wife, Nicole, played softball at American River College.  He was the father of three children.