Robert Rossi '24 Recruiting Profile

I have loved baseball from the moment I was able to hold a ball in my hands. I started playing on a made up field in my basement with my brother and father. I now play on three teams (AAU travel, high school and Legion). Playing successfully at the collegiate level is a dream of mine. I see my father still playing in a men’s league and know that baseball will always be a part of my life. I see myself being involved in the game for the rest of my life. 

Baseball motivates me to be the person I am and strive to be. I need to be the best version of myself, and at the same time, rely on my teammates, family and friends. To be successful on the field, I must be successful off the field first. Besides playing on three baseball teams, I also am on the indoor track team, have two part time jobs while maintaining a 4.05 GPA (4.0 scale). On the field, I am a motivator. I want to help my teammates reach their true potential. Sometimes it’s encouraging them after an error or strikeout, talking with them after a rough game, cheering for their success, or being available for extra work. 

I have been fortunate to have my father coach my spring and summer teams throughout my childhood. He is my coach on and off the field. If you are not the first one at the field, you are late. He never wanted me to have any special privileges because he was my coach. I also never wanted any player on my team to think I was getting anything I did not deserve. This taught me how to lead by example, listen to what is expected of me and exceed those expectations. I am known for my hustle, probably my father’s favorite word. Hustle doesn’t always mean run your hardest, it is putting your best effort into everything you do. There are so many elements out of my control, I can control my hustle. I will not let someone out work me. 

I remember a game where my father sat me because I could not find my hat going back out to play defense. At the time, I was upset and wouldn’t speak to him. I couldn’t understand why I was sitting when other kids couldn’t find their hats either. I now realize he was teaching me to always be ready and prepared. This is in my control and part of his definition of hustle. 

Baseball is more than a game, it is where you can work together to reach our goals. I know I still have a lot to learn and improve upon. I am looking to attend college where I can push myself academically and athletically, continue to be a leader on and off the field and ultimately be successful long after college is over.