17,964 showed up to watch Jay “The Batman” Bruce begin his major league career. I decided myself that this kind of opportunity didn’t come along everyday and decided to risk being struck by lightning for a chance to see Jay take his first major league at bat. And for my faith I was rewarded.
As I’m sure you have read around the web, “The Bat” had a major league debut very few others will enjoy. Three for three, two walks, two runs scored, two RBI’s. Not too shabby for the first night on the job.
But past the numbers, I looked to become more impressed with this young phenom’s birth. He handled the cold gloomy night with the skill and patience of a veteran major leaguer.
In his first major league at bat Bruce showed patience beyond what I ever have. Four straight pitches from Ian Snell, four straight balls and Bruce didn’t even lift the bat off his shoulder.
Now I don’t know about you guys, but I would have been swinging out of my shoes at the first pitch that even came close. But I guess that’s why I’m the writer and he is the player. Some of you may not find that as impressive as I did, and if that is the case please continue.
In his following three ABs he proceeded to hit two singles and draw another walk. Both singles were hit to the opposite field showing that this kid knows what to do with a ball on the outside corner. Slap it between the third baseman and shortstop into left field.
One of those singles came with the bases loaded and everyone in the stadium not wearing a Pirates uniform praying for a monster Grand Salami. But Bruce kept his cool and worked with what he got, lining an RBI single past the outstretched arm of Jose Bautista at 3rd off of lefty Damaso Marte.
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