Join ORU Athletics every Friday in a weekly series featuring interviews with coaches, staff members and former student-athletes.
10 Questions with Jordan Romano, Pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays (former ORU Baseball student-athlete):
- How excited are you to get the Major League Baseball season rolling later this month?
Whenever a new season starts up it's always exciting to see how your hard work in the offseason will translate to success on the field. This season is definitely special because for a few months we all thought there was not going to be any baseball. I'm truly grateful for all the work that has been put in by MLB to make this season a real possibility.
- What will be different about pitching without the usual preseason innings of work?
For as long as I've been playing this game, there has always been Spring Training to fine tune all your skills before the season. This year, that was cut short by COVID-19. With that came almost 3 months of downtime before we got the call to resume play. I worked really hard though and got the most out of those 3 months, so I really feel like I haven't missed a beat.
- Are you satisfied with the COVID precautions taken by Major League Baseball?
MLB has put in various protocols this year to help ensure that we the players stay safe. I really feel like I'm in a safe environment here in Toronto. We have a team that wants to win and stay healthy so everybody is making sure to follow all the regulations.
- What are the chances this season goes the distance and a World Series champion is crowned?
As of now, I think the MLB season will be played and I don't see a stoppage of play happening because of the strict guidelines they have us following. Ultimately, it's up to us as players to follow these guidelines so we will be able to play all the games.
- The MLB season will be a sprint, not a marathon. How critical is every game to the players?
This season, we almost have to treat the regular season like the postseason because every game is basically equal to 3 games in a normal season. For me personally, it keeps me mentally engaged with every pitch I throw because so much is on the line.
- How will not having active minor league games affect Major League rosters?
It's unfortunate that no minor league baseball will be played this year. I really feel for those guys who put in so much work and now don't have a place to display their talent. No minor league season definitely hurts the game of baseball.
- As a former ORU baseball player, how much do empathize with the college season getting cancelled this past March?
Hearing that the collegiate baseball season was cut short really hit home for me. I know that if that had happened while I was at ORU, I might have never gotten the opportunity to play professionally. I know all the work that goes in to get ready to play the collegiate season so it's really tough knowing the boys couldn't go out there and compete for the full season.
- What are your fondest memories as a player at ORU?
Some of my fondest moments at ORU had nothing to do with the wins or losses. I was really privileged to have great teammates and coaches that truly cared about me. I still talk to most of them to this day. It was always fun whenever we got to play some of the bigger name schools too. I believe we went 2-0 against OU while I was there back in 2014.
- What is something that people don't know about you but should?
If I'm not playing or practicing I really enjoy being out on the golf course. I play as much as my schedule allows me too. The funny thing is I never seem to get any better! But I'm sure a lot of people can relate.
- When things get tough, what Bible verse do you go to for encouragement?
My favorite passage is Joshua 1:5-7 that says, "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will be with you…I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and very courageous…you will be successful wherever you go."
My mom sends me this passage before every game and it comforts my mind.
10 Questions with....
March 27, 2020 – Mike Carter
April 3, 2020 – Ryan Bush
April 10, 2020 – Mark Milner
April 17, 2020 – Joe Dial
April 24, 2020 – Lance Watson
May 1, 2020 – Roger Bush
May 8, 2020 – Ashtin Meerpohl
May 15, 2020 – Tim Johnson
May 22, 2020 – Adam Hildebrandt
May 29, 2020 – Paul Mills
June 5, 2020 – Scott Williams
June 12, 2020 – Steve Upshaw
June 19, 2020 – Misti Cussen
June 26, 2020 – Frank Craig III
July 10, 2020 – Michael Rogers
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