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Get to Know: 2017 RHP/Ut. Devin Ortiz (St. Joseph's Montvale HS, NJ)

February 9, 2017



By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey


As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...

Name: Devin Ortiz
High School: St. Joseph's, Montvale
Position: RHP/INF
Grad Year: 2017
State Rank: 2
Overall Rank: 44
Commitment: Virginia

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Virginia. Tell us about the
process and how you decided on the Cavaliers? What other schools were you in
contact with? How excited are you to play in the ACC?

Ortiz: I committed to UVA in the fall of my sophomore year. They showed interest
in me when I played in a tournament in Virginia. They told my coach that
they would like my parents and I to schedule a day to go down and get to
know the coaches and some players. My family and I loved it. It was
absolutely amazing. The school is beautiful and the environment is great. Im
super excited to play in the ACC. I can't wait to face the great competition it
brings. Looking forward to it.

PBR: Anyone who follows New Jersey baseball knows that you are a legitimate pitching and hitting prospect at the next level. Do you think that you will continue to do both at UVA? Where do you think you fit in best?

Ortiz: I just love to play the game. I believe if i keep working hard and striving to get better everyday, I think i really can succeed at both. Until someone makes that decision for me I don't know what will fit best. Just know that wherever someone puts me I will give it my all to play that position the best I can. No matter where I am on the field I'm happy to be there. 

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life.

Ortiz: A life lesson the game has taught me is the always be open to meeting new people. Be an open person. You meet a lot of people in this game and some you may know for that day and some you will still talk to 20 years down the road. Just never be anti-social. Always be open, and have a good heart. 

PBR:  If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?  

Ortiz: I think the report would say, great leader, leads by example, and plays plays with heart. Then I hope it would say, strong arm, agile, quick feet, shows power, good baseball IQ, and locates pitches well with life.

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation. 

Ortiz: I'm working very hard, almost everyday to try and get better. I am doing countless things a week that I believe will help prepare me for the offseason.

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why? 

Ortiz: I think my biggest baseball influence is my father. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be the place I am now for the sport. He taught me everything I know. Till this day he is still trying to figure out ways to help me get better and yeah my goal. He is always pushing me and I can't imagine the day that he stops.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season:

Ortiz:
1. Win the "Triple Crown" (League Title, County Title, State Title). 
2. Get my 100th hit.
3. Be the best player/person on and off the field.

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career and why?

Ortiz:  The best player I faced will have to be Jordan Adell. I pitched against his team and I believe he was the number 3 or 4 batter in the lineup. I was able to contain him to only a 1 hit but when he got that hit, he smoked it. His speed his very good. He plays the game very well. I wish him nothing but the best this spring.  

PBR: Stirrups or regular pant?

Ortiz: Big stirrups guy. 

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Ortiz: Nothing really. If you see that I'm wearing long pants, just know deep down somewhere I wish I had my stirrups.

PBR: What would be your best walk out song? (Clean songs only, of course).

Ortiz: "Wonderful" by Travis Scott or "Amazing" by Kanye West. 

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