spotlight - Maddux bruns By Alina Garza
In anticipation of Opening Day and the 2022 season, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes were pleased to an - nounce the addition of Los Angeles Dodgers #1 draft pick, Maddux Bruns, to their roster. Bruns is the first left-handed pitcher drafted by the Dodgers Organization out of high school since Clay - ton Kershaw in 2006, and according to MLB Pipeline, the Dodgers have ranked him as the #12 prospect in their system. Bruns responded with humility when asked what he thought of the ranking, stating” I try not to think about it. After the draft, it doesn’t matter. Everybody’s the same, we all do the same thing, and all play for the organization.”
Maddux Bruns loosens up before his first start in Visalia last weekend
No doubt, Bruns aspires to achieve the same success as Kershaw. When asked about his aspira - tions as a player and a fan he was quick to respond, “Kershaw is definitely a great role model and somebody to look up to.” Bruns arrived with the rest of the team on Monday, April 4, and has had no problem settling in. Only his first week with the Quakes and he had nothing but good things to say. “ It’s going great; everything is comfortable here. I like all the guys and it feels like home.” The Alabama native has pitched as long as he can remember. As a child, he was coached by his father in Tee-ball, and continued his focus on pitching going forward throughout his high school career, landing him his spot in the Dodgers Organization. As his first season approaches, he looks forward to getting to know all his teammates, and navi - gate his way through his first, full professional season. “ I think for me it’s just being consistent, at the end of the day, you got to get outs as a pitcher.” On the topic of consistency, Bruns explained how he reels himself back in when he struggles to find the strike zone. ”I’d say first it’s more of a visual queue, changing my levels, and eyesights. I think every time I go out there and pitch there’s going to be something new I need to learn whether it be setting my sights for breaking ball or working back through mechanics.” In light of the upcoming season, the question had to be asked if the first round draft pick had a pregame ritual or superstitions he partakes in, to which he responded, “ I think in the past I had, but now I think superstitions just take away from what I need to be out there doing”. He believes it’s better to take it day by day and do his very best than to be weighed down by superstitions. As a longtime baseball fan Bruns had no trouble expressing his excitement in joining the Dodg - ers Organization. “It’s definitely the best organization, with the best minor league prospects, best everything. I was excited to get out of Arizona and finally be with the affiliate team.” The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are equally as excited about this future star pitcher’s contribu - tion during their 2022 season. We hope you are too.
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