Prospect Terre Haute Rex

Bruno Hoping to Help Rex Contend for Title

Published on July 12, 2011 under Prospect League (Prospect)
Terre Haute Rex News Release


The Terre Haute Rex have added a shortstop from the Virginia baseball team that was ranked No. 1 in the nation going into the postseason.

The Cavaliers reached the College World Series but were eliminated in a 13-inning loss to South Carolina.

Unfortunately for sophomore Stephen Bruno, he was watching from the dugout most of the season.

The newest addition to the Rex suffered a torn hamstring in February, leading to a medical redshirt season for Bruno, who batted .388 as a freshman at Virginia.

"It was very tough," Bruno said Monday at Bob Warn Field. "I'm a competitor, and sitting on the bench is tough. It was still a great experience to be there. I try to stay positive through everything."

On Monday against Dubois County, Bruno went 0 for 3 in his first game since February.

"I tore my hamstring up pretty bad. It took me a while to get back. I feel about 100 percent. It's just getting my timing back, getting back into the baseball swing of things," Bruno said.

Manager Brian Dorsett said additions like Bruno - from big-time programs - are necessary for the Rex to compete for championships.

"Having big programs like Virginia and Arizona send us players, we're just trying to get some people some opportunities that will help us in spots," Dorsett said.

The Rex middle infielders have been solid, but they're mostly young players with little college experience, Dorsett said.

"We're pretty young up the middle right now when you look at [Jordan] Pearson, [Jacob] Hayes, [Cameron] Fagg and [Derek] Hannahs. They're getting better.

Those guys are still going to be counted on at big spots."

Bruno hopes to blend in to a winning culture for Dorsett and the Rex.

"It's a great atmosphere. I'm from New Jersey so it's a little different experience culture wise," Bruno said. "The group of guys are great. The coaches are very welcoming so I'm very excited to be here."

Bruno hopes to help the Rex contend for the Prospect League title.

"Whatever coaches' decision, if he puts me in the infield or DH, I'm going to try to produce," Bruno said. "We're on a winning streak now, going into the All-Star break. We'll see what happens after that."

Bruno joins future Virginia teammate Chace Mitchell, a Rex catcher who hopes to return from a hand injury in the next week. Mitchell was recruited to Virginia from Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Without Mitchell, Brett Teschner has filled in admirably behind the plate.

"Brett does a nice job calling a game. We're working on a lot of things. He's a student. He really wants to learn," Dorsett said.

Teschner is swinging as hot a bat as anyone on the team wit ha .407 average and seven RBIs in the past seven games.

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