BACK ON THE DIAMOND: Hastings’ Romero Returns to the Diamond Following 2023 Injury
WHEN ONE SEES THE STATURE AND PROWESS ON THE FIELD THAT JACOB ROMERO DISPLAYS, IT COULD BE ASSUMED THAT HE’S BEEN PLAYING BALL HIS WHOLE LIFE.
The contrary happens to be the case for the Hastings’ junior outfielder.
“I actually started playing pretty late, when I was 14,” he said. “I fell in love with the game when the Astros won the World Series back in 2017. My favorite player to watch was definitely George Springer, which is part of the reason why I became an outfielder.”
“But, I try to model my game after Mookie Betts because he’s one of the top players in the MLB, despite not being one of the bigger players. He still competes with the big guys, which is really impressive and he serves as a good model for me.”
Romero certainly caught on quickly, considering his freshman year performance earned him a first-team, all-district nod.
He was on the trajectory for another all-district performance last year, however, he would suffer a season-ending injury. A concussion and cracked skull after colliding with his teammate's knee sidelined him for the remainder of his sophomore campaign.
“It was pretty rough,” said Romero. “After everything happened, I wasn’t able to be out there with the guys, doing what I wanted to do. But, as soon as I healed up, I went right back to it. I’ve been grinding to recover to the form I had before the injury.”
Now that he has made the steady recovery – at the behest of his coaches – Romero has a one-track mind.
“I’m hoping to have one heck of a season... even better than my freshman year,” he laughed. “I’ve been working my butt off all Summer, Fall and Winter to get back. The workouts, hitting and throwing practice, and consistent recuperation have all led me to this. I’m going to make sure it was worth it.”
He’ll have his work cut out for him, as he and his Bears are tasked with competing in a crowded District 23-6A. Night in and night out, Hastings will face likes of perennial State contenders such as the 2023 Finalist Pearland, along with Alvin and Strake Jesuit.
But, given his steadfast determination and positive disposition, Romero is sure to put on a show as he returns to lead Hastings in their Spring campaign.
“As an athlete, I’m proud to represent Alief – especially as a baseball player,” he said. “Not too many people play here, let alone exceed high expectations. So, every time I step on that field, I’m going to make sure I play with pride and passion. I’ll be going 100-percent, no matter who we play or where we compete.”
With a mindset like that, first-team, all-district should be the minimum for Romero in 2024.