Baseball
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant Coach
- Email:
- TJ.Bruce@csulb.edu
J Bruce was named the ninth head coach in Long Beach State baseball history on June 21, 2024, returning to a program he knows intimately as a former Dirtbags player and assistant coach.
A standout on the 2004 Dirtbags squad, Bruce helped lead the team to a 40-win season, a Super Regional appearance, and a No. 12 national ranking. He immediately transitioned into coaching, spending six seasons on the Long Beach State staff and contributing to three NCAA postseason appearances, including a 2005 Super Regional run.
Bruce continued his coaching ascent at UCLA, serving as recruiting coordinator under John Savage. His efforts helped build the foundation for the Bruins’ College World Series run in 2012 and their National Championship in 2013.
He then served seven seasons as head coach at Nevada, guiding the Wolf Pack to two Mountain West regular-season titles and earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors in 2021. Under his leadership, Nevada reached the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2000 and posted the highest winning percentage in the Mountain West during his tenure.
Bruce moved to TCU in 2022 where he the was associate head coach for the Horned Frogs for two seasons. He helped lead TCU to the 2023 College World Series and a national semifinal appearance. That season, TCU’s offense hit .298, belted 89 home runs, and set a program record with 141 stolen bases.
In his first season back at Long Beach State, Bruce made an immediate impact. Three Dirtbags—Kyle Ashworth (Second Team), Albert Roblez (Second Team), and Kellan Montgomery (Honorable Mention)—earned All-Conference recognition. Ashworth was also named CSC Academic All-District, while six players were named to the Academic All-Conference Team.
A proven leader with a championship pedigree, Bruce is focused on player development, academic excellence, and cultivating a winning culture rooted in the tradition of Dirtbags Baseball.
He and his wife, Heather, have four children: daughters Rhowan and Harloe, and sons Jaxon and Nash.
