Homer Bush Jr.'s Impressive 2024 Season: Speed, Skill, and a Promising Future with the Rays
An Exclusive Q&A on Baseball Legacy, Growth, and the Road to the Majors
Baseball often becomes a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. For Homer Bush Jr., this legacy runs deep. The son of former MLB infielder Homer Bush, he grew up surrounded by the sport’s rhythm, lessons, and competitive spirit. Homer Bush Sr. played in the majors for nearly a decade, notably winning a World Series championship with the New York Yankees in 1998. Known for his speed and impressive ability to get on base, Bush Sr. was a fan favorite during his time with the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Florida Marlins. As Bush Jr. grew up, his father’s knowledge and experience became invaluable in shaping his love for the game and his approach on the field. Now a rising star in his own right, Bush Jr. is carving out his own path in the world of baseball. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Homer and highlight his impressive 2024 campaign!
A Stellar 2024 Season: Speed, Skill, and Success
Homer Bush Jr. dazzled during the 2024 baseball season with game-changing speed and consistent production at the plate. His offensive stats reflect his dynamic presence on the field:
114 games
462 plate appearances
6 home runs
68 runs
30 RBIs
57 stolen bases
.272/.363/.363
.347 wOBA
115 wRC+
After being involved in a trade that sent Jason Adam to the Padres, Bush continued his success with the Bowling Green Hot Rods. His transition to the team was seamless, showcasing his aggressive, offensive approach and impressive bat-to-ball skills:
28 games played
2 home runs
14 RBI
14 stolen bases
.272/.367/.408
.361 wOBA
124 wRC+
Bush's frame, athleticism, and natural talent suggest he's poised for further development, including the potential to add more power to his profile. His defense is equally electric, characterized by sharp reads and elite speed.
An Exclusive Q&A with Homer Bush Jr.
Having a father who won a World Series, how has he influenced your game?
"I say it a lot, but I feel like my Dad has made more of an impact on the mental side of the game for me. Especially once becoming a pro, you get a lot thrown your way, and he has definitely helped prepare me for the adversity I have and will continue to face. Becoming a major leaguer can feel far-fetched at times as well. I think having somebody that close to me who has successfully accomplished what I want to makes my goals feel more realistic."
What are you most excited about now being in the Rays organization?
"There’s a lot to be excited about, but I think the thing that stands out the most is the sheer amount of talent I’m going to get to be around and the opportunity for growth. It becomes a whole lot easier to show up to the field when you’re playing high-level baseball. We have a super talented farm system that I’m excited to grow beside. Obviously, things change, and people get shuffled around, but few teams rely on their farm to help supplement success at the major league level like the Rays, so having a clearer vision of a future with the guys I’m developing around makes the process more fun/rewarding."
What specific aspect of your game are you trying to improve the most this year?
"Offensively speaking, I really want to have a dialed-in process/routine that will lead to success. I think it is easy to diagnose what metrics can be better, but how to make them better is the big question, especially without sacrificing other positive parts of my profile. For instance, I think hitting the ball harder and pulling the ball in the air more would be beneficial for myself. Rather than just recognizing this and praying it happens, I want to focus on the positions I need to put my body in and the mental plan of attack to do so."
What was the main thing you worked on when you rose as one of the most improved players in college baseball before you were drafted?
"Understanding the power of belief and confidence was huge for me. I had never really had a routine before that year. I would just sort of show up to the field, swing, throw, and run with little direction. I look back on video of myself and some of the routines and adjustments I made during my junior season, and honestly, they weren’t even that great, but at the end of the day, I believed in them."
Are there specific pregame routines you like to follow? Maybe you have a certain playlist or artist you like to listen to?
"Pregame music is super situational. The season is long, and some days, I may need a little more juice than others. If I’m a little too amped some days, I may need to mellow out with Billie Eilish/Olivia Rodrigo. Other days, I’ll need some Chief Keef/Young Thug to get me going. Still testing theories, but I think hype during the workday and chill before stepping on the field may be a solid middle ground."
How do you deal with the challenges of playing baseball, and what have those challenges taught you?
"I talk about community a lot, which is huge to me. This extends well beyond just my family. We’re talking about friends, staff, cafeteria workers, the kid who gives me knuckles down the line before every game, and basically anybody I interact with on a consistent basis. These people in my life give me a sense of comfortability and normalcy. Baseball is potentially the most draining professional sport there is, but I think a lot of these relationships help remind me that while any challenges I face may be tough, I have a pretty cool gig."
Bonus Question: How does it feel to have an 80-grade baseball name?
"It’s a blessing and a curse. I feel like I pass the name test with flying colors, which should be enough in itself for people to buy Homer Bush Jr. stock. On the flip side, a man can take only so many 'Homer hit a homer' jokes before going a lil crazy."
A Bright Future Ahead
Homer Bush Jr.'s impressive mindset, maturity, and raw talent will undoubtedly propel him toward continued success. With his dynamic skill set and electric speed, he'll be a player to watch as he takes the next step in his baseball career with the Rays organization. Expect big things from him in 2025!
Great piece Ethan!
Awesome! Interview!