By Cole Shelton

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO — Homer Bush is a recognizable name among Toronto Blue Jays fans, as the second baseman played with the Blue Jays from 1999 to 2002.

And before Bush played for Toronto, the Illinois native won the World Series with the New York Yankees in 1998.

In total, Bush would suit up for seven major league seasons, including parts of four in a Blue Jays uniform, in which he slashed .283/.321/.360.

Now, in 2018, Bush is back in Toronto, but this time to watch his son Homer Bush Jr. play in Tournament 12, a showcase of the best high school baseball prospects in Canada.

Although Bush Jr. currently resides in Texas and plays for Stix DFW, his dad was playing for the Blue Jays when he was born so he spent his early childhood in Toronto, which made him eligible for the tournament.

For Bush Jr. getting to play at the Rogers Centre is special for him.

“It is really cool to be able to play on the same field as he did because he had some of his best years there,” Bush Jr. said following the Futures squad’s 9-2 win over the Prairies in which he drew two walks.

“To kind of look around and be like he used to play out here and for me to kind of follow in his footsteps, especially this early is really cool.”

While it is cool to be able to compete in a major league stadium, the 16-year-old knows he has to play his game and not worry about the college and MLB scouts that will be watching him.

“When I first started going off, going to showcases and stuff like that, it was really nerve-racking. I’m talking like I couldn’t even sleep at night and as I have gotten used to it, it isn’t that nerve-racking,” explained Bush Jr.

“Obviously, there are always going to be nerves, especially when you are playing at a major league stadium in front of all these scouts. It isn’t that bad anymore. I just need to make sure I stay focused and execute my plan like I used to do.”

And Bush Jr. did execute his plan on Saturday. The outfielder started and played all seven innings in left field and was patient at the plate, drawing two walks.

“I’m definitely hoping to showcase my speed,” Bush Jr. said. “That is a big thing that separates me between me and the next guy. At this age a lot of kids can hit, a lot of kids can play defence but speed is that outstanding factor that will get you noticed.”

Bush Jr. demonstrated that speed when he stole third base in Saturday’s contest. It was his second stolen base of the tournament.

With two games in the books for team Futures and Bush Jr. playing solid defence and showcasing his bat and speed, the young outfielder is hoping he can attract scouts’ attention.

“Absolutely. It would be really cool to be able to commit this early because I am a junior and we just started being able to talk to scouts,” added Bush Jr. “To be able to commit or just be able to talk to some scouts would be really cool.”

But Bush Jr. still has plenty of time to secure a college commitment given he is a 2020 commit.

This weekend, the young outfielder is taking it all in and noticing how unique it is to be playing at this tournament.

“It is really cool. It is really cool to be able to be selected to play with some of the best kids in all of Canada,” he added. “It is some really good competition and I am just glad that I am here.”