Hands-on Reds outfielder Bruce brings MLB to youth camp

SYCAMORE TWP. – With work nights often ending past midnight, most major league baseball players are still tucked in bed at 8:30 in the morning.

On July 20-21 at Sycamore High School, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce was up bright and early to greet more than 200 campers at the Jay Bruce Baseball Camp put on by Pro Sports Camps and sponsored by Kroger and Tide.

Assisted by University of Cincinnati coach Ty Neal and many others, Bruce traveled the spacious grounds off of Cornell Road by golf cart, stopping station-by-station to help out with drills. Each day began and ended with a group message from No. 32.

“I come out and try to help these kids learn some baseball and move around outside,” Bruce said. “This is the fourth year for me and Pro Camps did a good job putting it together again.”

The numbers have increased every year for the camp and even though the fields were a little soggy from overnight rain, the weather held out during the two morning sessions.

As a youngster in Beaumont, Texas, Bruce attended his share of baseball camps and learned from guys who had made the pros.

“There was a guy named Jason Tyner who did some time in the major leagues and I went to a few of his camps growing up,” Bruce said. “Looking back, I was very lucky to get some experience from a major leaguer and just be around him. Hopefully, some of these kids feel the same way.”

While some camps may feature a “name” who makes a cameo for a few minutes, Bruce is an active participant. Among the instructors, he’s easy to spot with his left-handed throwing motion and red shirt.

He is one of the rarities that make it from youth baseball to a high school team to a pro contract and to the majors. Though blessed with raw ability, he was always eager to take in his surroundings.

“My Dad always said you have two ears and one mouth,” Bruce said. “You do more listening than talking. If anyone can come out here and learn some stuff. If they can take one thing home, I feel like I succeeded at the camp.”

In addition to the aforementioned Tyner from Beaumont, Texas, Bruce also knew major leaguers Chip Ambres and Kevin Millar from the area. Locally, Ken Griffey Jr. was Bruce’s idol as a young player.

All influenced his playing style, but his passion came within.

“It was never work to me,” Bruce said. “It was never like I had to go practice or I had to hit. I always wanted to (hit). When I had some free time, I was playing ball. Whether it was sandlot ball, home run derby, I was doing it. It was always fun to me and never work. I hope these kids feel the same way.”

On a Reds note, he enjoys the new video scoreboard in right field. Particularly when he nearly hits it as he did on the night of July 20 before coming to camp the next morning to throw more batting practice.