How Brandon Puffer Turned His Redemption Story Into a Book That Reached Inmates Across Texas
THE STORY
After fifteen years in professional baseball, including time in the major leagues, Brandon Puffer knows what it means to climb to the top—and to fall hard.
At the twilight of his career, Brandon made one bad decision that landed him in prison.
Today, he’s the co-founder of GPS Legends Baseball, where he mentors and develops young athletes on and off the field. His life centers on faith, family, and using his experience to help others navigate failure and find redemption.
“Things look good now, but I’ve been through tough times, and I want people to know there’s always a way back.”
THE CURIOSITY
After rebuilding his life following nearly four years in prison, Brandon knew God was asking for more.
He’d been quietly sharing lessons from his journey with players and parents, but he had a nagging curiosity that never seemed to go away: Could my story help other people who feel defined by their worst mistake?
He realized a book could extend his reach far beyond ballfields and locker rooms.
THE EFFORT
For years, Brandon carried the idea for a book but wasn’t sure where to begin. The publishing landscape felt overwhelming, the options endless. And beyond that, the actual writing felt daunting too. He worried about what might surface when he revisited those painful memories.
Each time he considered starting, self-doubt crept in: Who would want to hear from me?
Without guidance, the dream stayed on the shelf.
THE SOLUTION
Then came a series of connections that could only be described as providential.
A conversation with his friend and speaker Stephen Mackey led to a “chance” meeting between Mackey and ShareYourStory.com CEO Alex Demczak. That meeting turned into a Zoom call with Alex and co-founder Will Severns, and Brandon instantly knew he’d found his team.
“I had zero reservations after that first call. I prayed for so many years, and I knew I had my answer.”
Streamline Books offered exactly what he needed: accountability, support, grace, and expertise.
THE JOURNEY
The journey, while he felt confident, was far from simple. Brandon relived dark seasons—his arrest, incarceration, and the pain he caused others. Through it all, the Streamline team guided him through each iteration, helping him capture both the mistakes and the miracles with honesty and grace.
When he finally held From the Bullpen to the State Pen in his hands in December 2022, he felt encouraged. But here’s what surprised him the most: the work of writing his story—the wrestling, the questions, the fight—had been just as rewarding as this moment, holding the physical proof.
THE ROI
Since publication, Brandon’s message has traveled far and wide, encouraging those who feel the burden of their worst mistake.
One opportunity led to another:
- He started receiving invitations to speak at churches, schools, and sports teams
- He secured guest spots on faith-based podcasts and local outlets
- Speaking opportunities and book-signing events now supplement his coaching income
Beyond numbers, Brandon measures success in messages he receives weekly from readers who say his story restored their faith or gave them courage to start over.
“The best part is hearing from people who say the book encouraged them, or that they passed it to a friend who needed hope.”
The Echo, a newspaper circulated to every inmate in the Texas prison system, featured Brandon’s story.
Knowing that his words were reaching men and women sitting where he once sat was profoundly humbling. The darkest part of his story became the very thing that brought the most healing—to himself and others.
“My prayer is that someone in a cell reads it and realizes they’re not forgotten, that God still has a plan for them.”
Brandon continues to mentor athletes, speak across the country, and use his platform to show that no setback is beyond redemption. Through his book and his life, he’s proving that grace truly gives everyone a second inning.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
- “…we are all ‘better than our worst mistake’ due to God’s grace. I feel a renewed sense of purpose in my life at age 50 thanks to this gem of a book!
- “A life-changing, must-read book for everyone, especially for those struggling with addictions of any kind! I could not put it down & finished it in 2 days!”
- “I can’t give enough credit to Mr. Puffer for his honesty, humility and remorsefulness… a great read for people who need encouragement in overcoming bad circumstances or people who might be headed down the wrong path.”
- “This book is all about compassion. For ourselves and for others… Showing up for others is what redeems us and fills that void we often seek out in all the wrong places.”
- “The freedom that comes with acknowledgment, forgiveness and moving forward with God’s help is a great reminder that we all need Him… Powerful message. Highly recommended.”
- “…an inspiring redemption story… This book is a fairly quick read, made possible through its conversational style, and it’ll leave you feeling better about yourself.”
- “Brandon’s story reveals God’s love for his children amid life’s worst moments… I am sure it will touch many lives.”
