Jay Bruce

There have been times in Jay Bruce’s baseball career where he must have felt he was on a merry-go-round with no end in sight.  Jay Allen Bruce was born on April 3rd, 1987 in Beaumont Texas.  Bruce attended West brook High School in Beaumont and was named to the third High School All American team.

Bruce was the 12th player selected in the 2005 MLB draft.  For two years he was bumped around from Class Double A and Triple A Cincinnati teams, but he never received a call up.  Playing for the Louisville Bats in Triple A, Bruce was named Minor League Player of The Year in 2007.

On Mat 27, 2008 Bruce finally received the call and made the big leagues once and for all.  He promptly made his presence felt going 6-6 in his first six at bats.  The feat had not been done since 1977.  More importantly, he showcased a variety fo defensive and offensive skills that the Reds had lacked.

He used his surprising speed to steal bases, go from first to third and to help the Reds become a winning team. Bruce has been used in centerfield as well as in right field.  He has a strong arm and plenty of range.

Bruce is quietly the driving force in the success of the Reds. While he is compiling strong stats this year, his performance in the playoff could well be the key to Cincinnati’s success.

JAY BRUCE CAREER STATS