May 11, 2023

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

Shortstop Bryce Arnold was looking to continue his playing career with his time with the Fieldhouse Pirates coming to a close as a member of the 2020 graduating class.

His destination would eventually be Campbell University, situated in Buies Creek, N.C., off of the Cape Fear River with a population sitting under 4,000 people.

Arnold (Grimsby, Ont.) outlined his decision to join the Fighting Camels, telling the Canadian Baseball Network: “I picked Campbell because out of high school, I wasn’t really considered a top prospect and I didn’t have a ton of offers on the table but right from the get-go, they (Campbell) really wanted me to be a part of their program. I liked the coaching staff led by Justin Haire and decided to come to North Carolina and take my ability to a new level.”

Arnold would make his debut with the Division I program in 2021, working predominantly as the team’s DH mustering 182 at-bats as a freshman and amassing a .324 batting average with 20 extra-base hits (six home runs) and 39 RBIs. He also walked 27 times compared to 36 strikeouts and wasn’t afraid to stand in the batter’s box as inside pitches came his way.

He was hit by 15 pitches and stole nine bases, reaching base in his first 36 games, the longest reached base streak for the Camels that season. When he was on the field, he spent most of the time at second base and committed only two errors.

His sophomore campaign was a step back compared to such a strong debut season. Arnold was limited to 25 games by an ankle injury that kept him out of the lineup for the campaign’s second half. The power was still there, as he belted five home runs (one less than his freshman season) in half the amount of games while adding 12 RBIs.

Arnold also saw an increase in starts on the field, splitting time between second, third, and shortstop and owning a .912 fielding percentage.

“It felt awesome to be healthy heading into this season. I was super disappointed with how last year ended, as I really wanted to show people what I am all about,” Arnold said. “I knew heading in that this season was going to be a big year for me and I wanted to showcase that I didn’t take a step back after last year was cut short and that I improved from what everyone saw during my freshman year.”

So far, Arnold is showing that his freshman campaign was not a fluke, as the right-handed hitter is posting incredible numbers late into the season with his .332 batting average, 19 doubles, 15 home runs, and 51 RBIs. He sits second on the team in terms of OPS (1.129) and SLG (.711) and has helped the Camels to a 37-10 record. Campbell currently sits 13th overall on D1Baseball’s Top 25 program rankings.

“When I step in the batter’s box, I tell myself I want to do damage and look for those pitches I can get the barrel to, making sure I have a good eye on the ball all the way through,” says Arnold about his approach at the plate.

On his off-season preparation heading into 2023, Arnold discussed keeping his hitting mechanics the same but working on his physical health to improve his at-bats.

“Getting into the weight room and getting stronger was key for me,” he said. “My swing has been similar since I started at Campbell but getting bigger has helped my power numbers significantly and I make sure I don’t overthink or swing at pitches outside the zone.”

This season, Arnold has also seen more time at shortstop and is quickly turning heads, ranking No. 6 on D1 Baseball’s top college shortstops list on their April 6 listing.

At shortstop, Arnold has 91 assists on the year compared to 12 errors, owning a .923 fielding percentage.

“In the field, I want to make sure that I am able to make the routine plays,” Arnold said. “and if I do make a mistake, I can let that go and know another one is coming my way to get back into the rhythm. I want the pitching staff to have confidence in me that I can get the job done behind them should the ball come my way.”

As a junior, Arnold is eligible for the draft later this summer. He is currently ranked at No. 7 on the Canadian Baseball Network’s projected draft list and is a candidate to hear his name called during one of the 20 rounds, with the draft set to take place in July.

With this in mind and the Fighting Camels having a good season that could result in a run for the College World Series, Arnold is focused on what he can do on the field to help his team win.

“The goal for me this season is to contribute on the field day in and day out and build off of my previous years and continue improving and show that the work I am putting in every day is paying off,” said Arnold. “I will let things fall into place as the summer goes on and if a team wants to take a chance on me (in the draft) that is in their hands.

“Right now, I want to stay locked in on the field and continue staying present.”

The Fighting Camels have seven games left in the season before the Big South Championship slated to begin at the end of May with the NCAA Regionals set to follow the weekend after on June 2.

As the season winds down and Arnold’s stats on the field speak for themselves, the Blessed Trinity product reflects on his influences to play at such a high level, saying: “My biggest influence is my dad (Mike), he was more of a hockey guy but he loved baseball and he always made sure I stayed in check and didn’t think to high of myself but also didn’t let me get too low during the slumps.”

“I talk to him after every game and any time I need advice,” Arnold said. “I make sure he is my first call. I wouldn’t be here without him and what he and my Mom (Dana) have done for me and all the sacrifices they made.”