During that magnificent 7th inning of the second game against the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds TV broadcasters were seemingly dumbstruck about how the Reds had blown open the game with only 2 hits. Why, just the day before, hadn’t the Reds eked out only 3 runs–and one of them on a possibly missed interference call–with 16 hits? Baseball sure is an unexplainable game.

It seemed obvious to me. In that 16-hit game, the Reds walked all of 2 times. In the blowout win, they had 8 walks, 6 of them in the amazing 7th inning.

Reds manager Dusty Baker hasn’t uttered anything quite as idiotic as that wonderful chestnut about walks clogging the bases in his tenure with the Reds. Maybe he’s starting to understand that they can be valuable.

One thing’s for sure, the Cubs understand their importance. As do all Reds fans who caught games at old Cinergy/Riverfront. “Walks will haunt.” And on Friday, they haunted Chicago.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – Cincinnati Reds starting center fielder Drew Stubbs and infielder Paul Janish are showing support for Jay Bruce by joining the fun at the upcoming Jay Bruce Baseball Camp, presented by CBTS and Fifth Third Bank.

Bruce, the Reds’ hot-hitting right fielder, will host his inaugural youth baseball camp July 19th through July 21st at Prasco Park in Mason, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The three-day camp is open to boys and girls, ages 6 to 14, but potential campers are encouraged to register soon, as less than 30 spots remain available.

Bruce will be on site each day of camp, directing activities and providing instruction with Indiana University head baseball coach Tracy Smith and other top collegiate and prep coaches from the Cincinnati area.

Campers experience various stations, specializing in fundamental skills and the team concept of baseball. Individual groups are small to assure that each camper gets maximum personalized instruction.

Each camper receives an autographed camp team photo with Bruce, a camp T-shirt, free admission to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, free tickets to a Reds home game and the opportunity to win additional contests and prizes.

Jay Bruce Baseball Camp is proud to be conducted in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, Meijer, State Farm, Fox Sports Ohio and B105.

Cost of the camp is $199.

Additional information and registration is available at www.JayBruceCamp.com or call 513-793-CAMP.