I have played baseball since I was only a few years old. My passion for this game has grown tremendously over the years and I hope to continue playing in college.
As a outfielder and infielder, I've always paid close attention to the rhythm of the game. But over time, I became just as fascinated by the people behind the plays: the umpires. The ones who show up game after game, often unnoticed, sometimes criticized, but always essential.
Bad officiating happens in every sport, but in baseball, it affects every pitch. I have witnessed many questionable calls during my time playing, and it is what made me decide to further investigate them in the MLB and how the game is changing to account for shaky umpires.
Ryan Romano
That question became the spark behind The Next Pitch—a project that explores the wisdom of umpires, their impact on the game, and how technology may redefine their role in baseball’s future.
For me, this isn’t just about stats or rules. It’s about the soul of the game. Through research, interviews, storytelling, and reflection, I hope to start a conversation: How do we preserve the heart of baseball while still letting it evolve?
When I'm not studying or playing ball, I enjoy watching MLB games, wrestling during the winter, and learning from the mental side of sports. I plan to study engineering and physics in college, hoping to bridge my love for sports and creativity.