Brian Duff has always loved baseball. He played little league as a young boy, and later coached his own children in travel ball. He also spent quite a few summers as an umpire for local high school baseball games. And then, an opportunity came along that most baseball fans only dream of – the chance to be the General Manager of his own county league baseball team: The Broadway Bruins.
As GM, Brian supervises the team management dealing with coaching and recruiting. He also oversees the Board of Officers and makes sure the duties are done proficiently and efficiently.
This year marks the 20th year that the Broadway Bruins made its way back into the Rockingham County Baseball League — one of the oldest continuous baseball leagues in the country. The RCBL was founded in 1924, and has included teams across Rockingham County and up and down the Shenandoah Valley.
The Bruins were previously known as the Linville Patriots, and, according to Duff, the two teams combined have racked up some pretty impressive stats — 15 pennants and 14 championships, the most recent championship being the 2020 season!
Duff says that most of their current players joined the team because of other Bruin players. “The biggest recruiters for the team are former and current players! The relationships with the local high school and colleges in the area are also a main source for our recruiting.” Duff says tryouts are held on a case-by-case basis.
The Bruins play all of their home games on the baseball field at Broadway High School. Duff is grateful to the businesses that sponsor the team. Their faithful support allows fans to attend all Bruins games at no charge.
The Bruins opened their 2022 season Saturday, May 28 in New Market against the New Market Shockers. Right now, the Bruins have 24 games scheduled for the 2022 season – not including play-off games. The regular season play will end Sunday, July 17th.
Right now, the Bruins have 24 games scheduled for the 2022 season – not including play-off games. The regular season play will end Sunday, July 17th. So head on down to the Broadway High School baseball field and enjoy an evening of America’s favorite passtime. Take the whole family for an evening of free entertainment and cheer for the Broadway Bruins!
