September 15, 2019

By Jonathan Chan

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO – Bryce Arnold is not taking his second appearance at the Blue Jays’ Tournament 12 scouting combine for granted.

The Grimsby, Ontario, shortstop batted .385 and scored seven runs in six games at last year’s edition and was one of the tournament’s top players. He has used every moment since to improve.

“I want to prepare myself for the next level,” said Arnold, on the phone this past Tuesday. “Figure out what my weaknesses are and building them over the season. Just improving my overall game and getting to the next level.”

This preparation and work ethic helped the Grimsby native climb the Prep Baseball Report prospect ranks last season, finishing as Ontario’s second-best position player and the province’s fourth best prospect overall.

Arnold’s progress has not been a surprise to Jimmy Richardson, his coach with Burlington’s Fieldhouse Pirates. The instructor has been working with his infielder for over six seasons and lauded the youngster’s drive over the last calendar year.

“Bryce going down there and having the success that he did at the [2018] tournament made him want to strive for more. It pushed him to get to a new level,” said Richardson, over the phone. “Bryce is a guy that doesn’t lack confidence in himself and wants to be successful right away.

“In an environment like T12 you're playing against the top players in the country and Bryce has been hard at work in the last year to make sure he shows up this year and is a better player.”

Arnold’s commitment to improving all facets of his game earned him an offer from Campbell University, a Division 1 NCAA program in North Carolina that has won the Big South Conference Tournament two straight years.

Arnold knows his biggest asset will continue to be his work ethic and the support network around him.

“I believe it's a big part of my development and my game. I find you can't take any reps off or you're going to decline,” said the 18-year-old. “I bounce ideas off anyone I possibly can to build myself as a player.”

Richardson has worked alongside Arnold for much of his baseball career and describes the top prospect as immensely talented and deservedly confident, but extremely hard working.

“Bryce has always been exceptionally talented from a baseball perspective. The game comes easily to him,” said the Pirates’ U18 Head Coach. “His work ethic and confidence are what carry the day. He's unflappable in that regard.”

Preparing for his second and final appearance at T12, Arnold is ready to build off his success from the 2018 tournament and ready himself for the NCAA.

“I just want to take in the whole experience,” said Arnold. “Hopefully [repeat] the performance I had last year, one of the best performances I’ve had, and build on that.

“My goal is to round out those small edges. Improve defensively, shorten my swing, make every single play, and make myself the best ball player I can.”