I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Jay Bruce's 149th HR is a rather special one to me. June 20, 2013 was the Reds Rookie Success League's Day at Great American Ball Park. For those who don't know, when Reds Authentics sells something, the proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund ("RCF"). For me, this ball exemplifies all the reasons to support Reds Authentics, the RCF, and Reds Rookie Success League for which I volunteer.

The kids I chaperoned that (including my own son who's picture I can choose to share here) called ourselves "Team Chapman". Team Chapman stayed safe and together throughout the day. For many of them, it was the kids' only chance to go to a Reds game. For me, June 20th was about the only game I went to all year where my attentiveness was never focused on the baseball in play. Ironically, I was fortunate enough to attain this ball. Thanks to Jay Bruce hitting it, the ball brought in plenty of proceeds to support the same cause financially to which I gave my time.

I want to send the warmest of Holiday Greetings to all Reds fans, Jay Bruce fans, and everyone here on the forum. I also want to thank fellow collectors who have shared their passion for Jay Bruce game used items here on this thread and those who will do so in the year ahead. This is not my thread but I am happy to post items on behalf of anyone who desires anonymity. Also, anyone with special Jay Bruce items for sale please reach me at plettner at fuse dot net.

We forum members can do great things and remind ourselves of the goodness which makes us all think of baseball so fondly. Member "tknorm" recently reminded me how great we can be together. With that thought, forum members who would like to purchase Reds Game Used items from Reds Authentics to benefit the RCF and its many missions can e-mail jcline@reds.com

Jay Bruce's 149th Career HR ball

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

I actually have a picture that I took of Jay's rbi in the Dale Murphy Night game. Here is a low quality version. Let me know if you might want a better quality version.

Its amazing how broad our member base is! That's a very nice picture and appears to be of the same caliber as the high resolution pics of Getty, AP, etc. Yes, of course I'd enjoy it in higher resolution: plettner at fuse dot net.

[tknorm]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

I actually have a picture that I took of Jay's rbi in the Dale Murphy Night game. Here is a low quality version. Let me know if you might want a better quality version.

[Brucefan32]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Nice!

[AWA85]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

I will add to the Jay Bruce thread with these gamers from 2007-2013.

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

While Jay Bruce fans enjoy his recent recognition with a 2nd consecutive Silver Slugger award, there is also something (in addition to Redsfest) to look forward to. The bat Jay used to club HRs 162 and 163 in each of his first two swings against fellow lefty and 2013 Cy Young Award Winner Clayton Kershaw will be on display for fans to enjoy during the 2014 season in the Reds Hall of Fame. That entire September 8th game was even more exciting in person than for those who watched the Reds complete a series sweep in Walkoff Fashion on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

Not as exciting while waiting, but in the interim here is the ball which was Jay Bruce's 100th hit during his 2nd Silver Slugger season of 2013. This hit on the Braves' "Dale Murphy Night" scored Joey Votto for Jay's 439th career RBI. It was Jay's 716th career hit.

Career Hit 716, RBI 439
"Dale Murphy Night"

[joelsabi]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

congrats on having a cycle for the collection. i think it's the second one I have seen besides the Jackson collection.

Enjoy your thread

[Dave4Reds]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

This has been one of the most enjoyable threads that I have seen on here in a long time... though I may not be the most objective person given that I'm a huge Reds fan and Bruce is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Those who observed Jay Bruce in 2013, saw a more resolute hitter. Jay's 132nd career double had to bounce to reach the wall, but the tougher journey was through the at bat. The pitcher had earned a no balls, two strikes count and Jay had to be patient in turning it around. Jay's Reds won the May 18 game, 10-0.

Jay Bruce's 665th hit, 132nd double

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

In recent years, the Beaumont Bomber's visits to nearby Houston provided lots of opportunities for ommemorative logo "hit balls" as the Astros celebrated their 50th anniversary (2012) and then their inaugural American League season (2013). Surprisingly, only one hit ball was authenticated in either year... itself nearly eaten by Minute Maid Park. This double down the opposite field line on September 1, 2012 actually disappeared to TV cameras, likely evidenced by its unique markings.

Jay Bruce's 114th career double, 593rd career hit

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

This is unique ball in the collection for a number of reasons. My son and I are in the TV broadcast background with Cleveland friends as Jay returns to 1st. I'm informing my friend about our ball hobby and showing him how that particular baseball may or may not come out of play (my friend later got his baseball obsessed brother into the hobby). It stays. Then Ryan Ludwick smashes the very next pitch off the left field wall... the play to which the ball is MLB authenticated.

We continue to collect Jay Bruce game used items. If you have anything that may be of interest, please e-mail plettner at fuse dot net.

Jay Bruce career Hit 532, next pitch Ludwick double

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

On August 22, 2012 both teams were wearing their '91 Throwback uniforms. Much seemed out of sorts when Jay hit his 13th career triple (hit 586). Memorable visions for sure... and a memorable game. Jay later hit the game winning home run.

Jay Bruce 13th career triple

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Any random ball going to a kid is more important than a hit ball in our collections. Today on one of my best men's birthdays, I want to share Jay Bruce's 705th career hit.

It was an interleague play game but far important to me is the memory recalled each time I see it. My friend and his family are Rangers fans. But on that day, two men in the Reds bullpen (Sean Marshall and J.J. Hoover) made those kids' dreams come true in their choices to toss me (for them) a random ball. Two days later, Marshall again took care of a kid at Arlington Stadium. That one was a Reds fan, and the son of another forum member. I've had the good fortune to enjoy Sean's company in a casual setting. He's a pleasant human to have on this Earth; more important than his being a good baseball player.

So here is Jay Bruce's 705th hit, shared with fond memories of a wonderful weekend and other balls (not mine) for which I'm far more grateful.

If I could propose to all fellow collectors one thing... help a kid. Maybe next time you are at a game, ask the parent of a little guy whether its their first game. If so, point them where to get a 1st game certificate. Or try and help them get a random ball. Buying a random game used ball or base is a great way to memorialize a 1st game experience for those who can afford to. At the Reds Authentics booth in Cincinnati, that raises money for the Reds Community Fund and helps more kids. Few parents are mindful of such an opportunity though when they take their child the 1st time. So, make them aware! You might just help that child have as much passion for the game of baseball someday as you have yourself.

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Born April 3 of 1987, Jay Bruce was a young 20 when he wore these cleats in 2007. Jay was drafted with the 12th overall pick of the 2005 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds and made his Major League debut in May of 2008.

Minor League Game Used Cleats, 2007
(each cleat individually signed/inscribed)

[dplettn]

Re: I Collect Jay Bruce Game Used Bats, Hit Balls, Jerseys, Gloves, etc

Here is a first item to display on the thread, the ball that Jay Bruce hit for his 144th career HR. The Reds trailed and the Cardinals' Tyler Lyons was 2-0 on the road with 1.29 ERA when Bruce smashed this ball into the visitors' bullpen. The blast changed the game and eventually chapman saved a 4-2 Reds Victory.

With only the greatest respect for the Reds' opponent tonight and the Cardinals' starter (Tyler Lyons), I hope this post will raise interest and healthful competitive spirit even further before Bruce's Reds and Lyons' Cardinals compete during the heart of the pennant race tonight. I've wished to have displayed this ball with better images than how it was displayed in this thread's opening. Such is how other items have been displayed since. So here it is again with images to recall June 8th, 2013 when Bruce took Lyons deep on Baseball Night in America at Great American Ballpark. Yes, the ball is zip-locked (to keep with me throughout this day). Whomever wins tonight, I hope one team hosts the NL wild card and both are cheered for in the playoffs well after this great pennant race has run its course. Much respect to two of the best run organizations in baseball!