First baseman and pitcher Jack Romanin is on a mission to make the most of the rest of the 2019/20 VSBL season.
Taking the field for Malvern Braves U18 State team, Jack is chasing his baseball goals, a beloved pastime he shares with his younger sister Lauren. He’s also been getting game time in Malvern’s Division 2 seconds as he works hard to improve his skills week in and week out.
Jack has spent much of his childhood playing at Malvern, a nearby local club that first drew him in with a come and try day. As a young child, Jack was eager to take on America’s favourite pastime as his mother hails from the U.S. He hasn’t looked back since.
After a strong start to the season, Jack is looking forward to continuing his work with the club’s new coaches as the Braves make a tilt for the top prize. “We have really experienced guys who are able to improve everybody’s game,” Jack said.
With years of junior baseball under his belt, Jack knows how important it is to maintain a positive mentality as a player. He’s been nursing a sore arm for a long time now and can’t wait until it gets back to full health so he can contribute to his team in a stronger way. “I’m looking to get my arm healthy. It’s been pretty weak over the last couple of years and I’d also like to get some more power in it,” Jack said. “I’ve been going to the gym to get more strength and more muscle.”
Giving it his all out there on the field is easier with supportive teammates who feel the same way. Jack recognises the great culture at the club and the Braves’ welcoming nature as key contributors of why they’re able to find success, especially after a special grand final win last season.
“Last year in the thirds, we won the grand final. That was pretty cool after we started pretty bad and just got on a roll,” Jack said. “We didn’t really lose after that because we got tighter as a group. I would say we probably weren’t the most talented, but when we play together and focus, you can do a lot as a team.”
Jack thinks one of the keys to success is how he and his team are always willing to give 100 percent to every play, every pitch and every at-bat. Practicing helps the team out in the long run, and that’s the attitude Jack shares with his teammates, even players who are experiencing the sport for the first time. “I tell the newer players to give it a try. Don’t be angry or mad if you’re not hitting it if it’s your first time cause it’s quite hard,” Jack said. “Just keep your patience up and you’ll get better over time. You’ll find that you like it a lot.”
The 2019/20 VSBL season continues this weekend with Malvern’s U18 State sitting in the top four with a 7-4 record and the reserves rounding out the top three with a 9-4-1 record.