Bruuuuuuce: Jay Bruce Gets a Shiny New Bat

Aug 14, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) is congratulated by teammates at home plate after hitting a game winning three run home run during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park. The Reds defeated the Mets 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Keeping up with their month of giving, Major League Baseball recognized 12 more elite players at their position. Today, they handed out the Silver Slugger Awards to the top offensive players in both the American League and National League. Once again, after a record breaking season, the Reds had a player on the list.

In a season that Jay Bruce finished with a .252 average, hitting 34 home runs, and 99 RBI’s, it is no wonder he was chosen as one of the National League’s outstanding outfielders to receive the Silver Slugger Award. Bruce had a phenomenal season with the Reds. He was selected by Tony LaRussa for his second All-Star game appearance, he was the Red’s nominee for the Hank Aaron Award, and was a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

Bruce is the first player in Major League history to hit at last 20 home runs as a rookie and increase that total in each of his next four seasons. The Reds outfielder was also one of only three players with at least 35 doubles, 34 home runs, and 99 runners batted in. The other two players were Ryan Braun and Triple Crown winner, Miguel Cabrera.

The Reds outfielder also joins Frank Robinson as the only two players in Reds history to produce at least 20 homers in each of his first five years. He is the first Reds outfielder to win the award since Eric Davis in 1989.

Bruce is joined by 11 other players across Major League Baseball:

American League
Catcher: A.J. Pierzynski
First Base: Prince Fielder
Third Base: Miguel Cabrera
Outfield: Mike Trout
Outfield: Josh Willingham
Outfield: Josh Hamilton

National League
Catcher: Buster Posey
First Base: Adam LaRoche
Third Base: Chase Headley
Outfield: Andrew McCutchen
Outfield: Jay Bruce
Outfield: Ryan Braun

Everyone that has seen Jay play over the last few years knows Cincinnati has something special in the 25 year old outfielder. We’ve seen him clinch divisions for the team with a walk-off home run, make crazy plays in the outfield, and give back to the community with his generosity. In honor of his new accomplishment, becoming a 2012 Silver Slugger, we in Reds Country just have one thing to say: BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!