Our baseball team has almost everything - a top-five national ranking, a solid core of young players and players who have proven themselves in conference play. They even have enthusiastic fans who continue to sell out Davenport Field.
But there's something missing. What the Cavaliers need is a nickname. The Babe, Charlie Hustle, Mr. October, The Rocket - great nicknames always have been a part of baseball. Even recent entries, like El Guapo and The Big Hurt, give their players an extra aura of awesome.
I had waited patiently for a nickname to develop for three years until I was informed by a few of my friends that they had started calling freshman infielder Stephen Bruno, "The Justice," after he punished Clemson March 26 during the bottom of the ninth inning.
Bruno hit a walk-off single to left field to drive Jarrett Parker home and hand Clemson reliever David Haselden the loss.
I am glad Bruno was the player chosen to receive the nickname. First, he's a freshman, so he'll be around for some time. He can be "The Justice" for three great years to come.
Second, he really cares about playing for Virginia. He turned downed the Yankees to come to Charlottesville and has vocally praised the team and fans.
Third, he has a flair for the big play. He not only hit that game-winning single but also knocked a big homer in Tallahassee against Florida State.
Overall, he just seems like a likeable guy. The type of guy who could be good without a nickname - but could be legendary with a nickname. He's one of the Cavaliers' better prospects, and with thousands of fans cheering "The Justice" every time he walks to the plate, this encouragement could build confidence that will allow him advance to the next level.
Have I convinced you yet? No? How about you just look for the guys with "Justice" signs who go bananas every time Bruno comes to bat. Get excited with us. Let's have one more thing to be excited about on weekend afternoons.
In the meantime, here are a few Justice Facts. The Justice is number one, not only in our hearts, but on his jersey. He's 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, a righty and comes from Audubon, N.J., which is also the hometown of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
The Justice currently has the third best average on the team, an impressive .416 compiled in 25 games, including 20 starts. He has nine extra-base hits, three of which are homers. His .623 slugging percentage tops the roster. Clearly, the kid has a good bat.
That's not to say he has no areas for improvement. So far, The Justice has been reminiscent of Jack Bauer in his impatience. He has only four walks to 11 strikeouts. Evidently, opposing pitchers have not yet learned to fear their Righteous Punishment.
But enough about Justice the ballplayer. I'm also interested in Justice the person. According to a recent interview with Virginia Athletics, The Justice's favorite movie is "The Departed," his favorite dish is buffalo chicken cheesesteak and his most-visited website is MLB.com. He listens to alternative rock and likes getting dinner on the Corner. He sounds just like the sort of guys I know and hang out with every day. The Justice is a man of the people.
I'm proud to be a charter member of The Cult of Justice. You can be a member, too. Send me an e-mail, and I'll get you a "#1 Justice" T-shirt that I'm making for me and my friends.
Please, people. I'm really desperate for there to be a player with an awesome nickname before I graduate. Don't let me down.
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