By: Liam W. Cooney | Public Relations Coordinator
A lanky, athletic, energetic and friendly face on campus, Luis Ortiz is a sophomore student athlete and a starting pitcher for Salve Regina’s nationally ranked baseball team. Calling his upbringing “one-of-a-kind,” Luis was born in the Dominican Republic before moving to the East Boston projects at the age of eight. Raised solely by his mother in the Dominican Republic before getting to know his Dad’s side of the family better here in the States.
DR’s national sport is baseball and is referred to as the “king sport.” The nation boasts Major League Baseball stars such as Luis Castillo, Fernando Tatís Jr., and Rafael Devers who represent the Dominican Republic in the big leagues. While growing up in the DR, Luis found a love of baseball from a young age. “I’ve been playing since I learned how to walk,” he says. “I’ve always loved playing baseball.”
Ortiz is in his second year at Salve studying Business Administration. He tells me he dreams of playing professional baseball himself. I first met Luis on the first day of new student orientation in late August of 2023. He walked into Rodgers Recreation Center with a bit of an overwhelmed and confused look on his face.
I noticed this overwhelmed expression on his face and took in the fact that he was likely a new student-athlete already repping a Salve baseball t-shirt. “What’s good bro, how you doing?” I asked him.
“Man…” he said. “There’s a lot of white people here.” His tone was light and comical.
“There sure is, but you will find your place,” I told him. I looked again at his shirt. “On the baseball team, definitely.”
Two years later, it’s safe to say that Luis has found his place on Salve’s campus, and then some.
Many recognize Luis, and those who know him can always expect a firm dap up in the gym. His teammate, fellow right-handed pitcher Joe DeRienzo (Trumbull, CT), had high praise for his teammate and classmate. Speaking of the smile Luis “constantly has on his face,” Joe also let me know just how big of a piece Luis is to baseball’s culture.
“[He is]the most appreciative and energetic person you will ever meet,” said DeRienzo. “His confidence and competitive natures elevates the team to a new level and makes us push each other on a day-to-day basis.”
Being such a big part of such a successful team is surely a prideful thing for Ortiz. Salve’s baseball team made it to the DIII Final Four last spring, falling one game short of a national championship appearance. Oritz contributed to that run with 9 appearances on the season, pitching 12 strikeouts on the year and a 3-1 record to show for it.
Ortiz speaks highly of his experience thus far playing baseball. Sounding calm and humble, he seems ready to take what the season gives him in looking to replicate last season’s success. “Last year was fun and all, but it takes a lot to get to where we got last year,” he admits. “I just hope we continue to work hard and control what we can.”
If you see Luis around campus, be sure to say hello! He is a welcoming, friendly, and energetic figure on campus with an incredible story and a lot to offer. For a chance to catch Luis and the rest of the Seahawk baseball team on the diamond this spring, check out the Salve Athletics and Salve Baseball homepages.
Photos Provided by Salve Athletics and Salve Regina Community.
