From being a top shortstop in Ohio and getting drafted by the Chicago White Sox to being a key player at Sinclair Community College, Justin Marrero’s baseball journey is just beginning.
While attending Reynoldsburg High School, Marrero was regarded as one of the top shortstops in Ohio, according to Sinclair baseball coach Steve Dintaman. Marrero said it was difficult as a freshman on the varsity team, but by the time he got to his junior year he had fixed a lot of holes in his game and became an all around player. Marrero made the 2008 Buckeye Scouts team as a shortstop during his senior year.
“It was a great experience to be nominated with some of the best kids in the state of Ohio,” he said. “It took a lot of hard work and effort.”
After seeing his versatility as a player, professional scouts labeled him as a second baseman/catcher and the White Sox chose Marrero in the 32nd round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft after his senior year. But Marrero decided to attend college, and he hoped he would get another opportunity.
Last year, Marrero played at Northwest Florida State College but wasn’t really given the opportunity to play catcher, according to Dintaman. Marrero wasn’t drafted the following year and he said it hurt.
“I was relying on my talent and wasn’t working hard enough,” Marrero said. “When I didn’t hear my name called it was heartbreaking.”
Marrero decided to come back to Ohio to be closer to his family who didn’t get to see him play much in Florida.
“I play for my parents,” he said. “My dad loves the game; I picked it up from him.”
As of April 22, Marrero leads the Tartan Pride with 10 home runs, 56 RBIs and a .400 batting average. Dintaman said Marrero has the potential to be the fourth All-American in school history.
Marrero earned back-to-back Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Week awards in April. Marrero is committed to Ashland University for next season, but Dintaman believes Marrero will be drafted this year.
“(Marrero) is one of the most talented players I’ve been around,” Dintaman said. “He can play every position and he hasn’t reached his ceiling yet.”