By Hannah Ossman

Lucas Ortiz is a senior outfielder for the Bartlesville High School baseball team. He has been playing since he was just four years old and has loved every minute of it.

“I grew up in Houston. Being around the Astros, as well as attending the 2005 World Series with my family, is what inspired me to play,” said Lucas.

Lucas’ favorite part of baseball is that no play is ever the same as the last. He also enjoys the bonds he has formed with his teammates over time.

He does not have one single favorite memory from his time in baseball because he knows every moment spent playing is special. His teammates are his brothers, and some of his best friends.

“I can trust the guys next to me, and they can trust me to get the job done,” said Lucas.

Outside of playing baseball, Lucas is also involved with his church, and enjoys playing his Xbox and guitar, and having a good time with friends.

Lucas’ biggest role model is his dad.

“He is always the one to push me to keep working my hardest, and he’s my biggest fan. It’s always great to have somebody like that on your side,” said Lucas.

It is important for Lucas to work as hard as he can to be the best player he can be. His coach inspired him by saying, “You shouldn’t need a motivation to play the sport you love.”

As a result, Lucas spends a lot of his free time doing whatever he can to improve his game.

After high school, Lucas plans on attending college to pursue a political science degree. He knows wherever he ends up attending school will be a blast.

Lucas’ advice for underclassmen is: “Work. Always work hard; you never know who’s going to be watching. Always give 110% and just have fun because before you know it, it’ll be your last season playing the game you love.”