TOWER GROVE — When the Milwaukee Brewers last visited Busch Stadium, way back in May, outfielder Ryan Braun made a diving catch in left field that left him sprawled on the warning track. He fought the urge to do a snow angel in the track, but couldn’t repress his personality when he got to the dugout.

Manager Ken Macha told reporters afterward that Braun trotted down the steps and told his teammates that it just may be the best catch ever. He said it didn’t sound like Braun was joking.

Such is the irrepressible confidence — and enthusiasm — of the 2007 Rookie of the Year who has continued to develop as one of the finest righthanded hitters in the National League. The Brewers visit Busch for the first time since May for a three-game series that starts Tuesday, and Braun returns to St. Louis this week for the first time since the All-Star Game. He is a two-time All-Star, and he arrives nearing his third consecutive season of 30 homers and his second consecutive 100-RBI summer. Even beyond his flamboyance on the field, Braun is a fascinating personality, right down to the office he has in Trump Tower for a clothing line he launched.

“LAX to JFK,” he said, describing his offseason. “Back and forth.”

As the Brewers-Cardinals rivalry has smoldered the past few seasons, Braun has become a leading player in the animosity. Sometimes it’s as silly as the untucking-jersey kerfuffle or as pivotal as a home run that he stands to watch soar out of the ballpark. Either way, Braun may be out of allies in the Cardinals’ clubhouse. Chris Perez, the Cardinals’ former reliever, was a teammate of Braun’s at Miami and he would sometimes defend his fellow Hurricane. Braun knows there are some that don’t care for him.

He figures that’s because they don’t know him.

“It’s all good,” he said. “Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I understand why people have the perception. It’s kind of how I carry myself. I’m competing. When I’m on the field, I’m competing.”

When he was off the field earlier this season, he took some time, while tucking in his jersey before batting practice, to answer The P-DQ:

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What is a piece of advice you received from a parent that has stayed with you?

My parents stressed the importance of being a well-rounded individual. Always taking my education seriously. always triyng to be the best person I could be, always trying to be the best baseball player I could be. Overall, trying to be well-rounded.

What is a memorable Christmas or holiday gift you received?

My first bike. When I was 5, 6 years old, my first bike. I remember how excited I was. Blue. It was blue.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Superman.

What is the best baseball movie?

Field of Dreams

What is your greatest achievement?

Winning Rookie of the Year was pretty cool. What that meant at the end of the year is something. It means you’re consistent, that you’re successful and it’s something that can never be taken from you. I’m proud of that.

What is your current state of mind?

Confident.

What is your greatest extravagance or indulgence?

I just bought my first house in the beach in Malibu. Literally just closed on it a few days ago (in May).

Who was your favorite ballplayer growing up?

Ken Griffey Jr.

What was your first car?

Honda Accord 2002.

What is your current car?

Mercedes Benz. Stepped my game a little.

Where is the place you’ve got to visit before you die?

Bora Bora. I remember seeing in a magazine that there was like a Four Seasons in Bora Bora.

Who would be in your Fave Five?

My parents, my brother and I’ll keep two spots open for two girls.

What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?

I actually got all of my songs from Mike Cameron, so nothing too embarrassing.

What movie will you stop to watch whenever it comes on?

Denzel Washington. Any Denzel movie.

Sing in the shower or in the car?

Both.

You know you’re in the minors when …

You have a roommate, cheap hotels and long bus rides.

I tune out when people talk about …

The future. Too far in the future.

When I think of St. Louis, I think of …

Competing against the Cardinals. We enjoy coming here.

What is your greatest fear?

I don’t fear anything.

I wish I knew how to …

Be as consistent a hitter as Albert Pujols.

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Previous P-DQs: Adam Wainwright … CC Sabathia … Skip Schumaker … David Wright … Brian Barton … Ryan Ludwick. … Ryan Franklin. … Brad Lidge … Chris Carpenter. … Brandon Phillips. … Todd Wellemeyer. … Dustin Pedroia. … Jason Isringhausen. … Chris Perez. … Matt Capps. … Evan Longoria. … Brian Barden. … Joe Thurston. … Mark DeRosa. … Lance Berkman. … Colby Rasmus. … Aaron Miles. … Brad Hawpe.

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