CODY ORR CONTINUES TO CHASE BASEBALL DREAMS

               Former RHS baseball player, Cody Orr continues to chase his baseball dreams beyond Brick Long Field as he shoots for a spot in the MLB.  He is currently playing in the Houston Astros organization, bouncing back and forth between Low A and High A, and continuing to learn the game he has always loved. 

               Orr was a highly-touted short stop and pitcher on the 2017 Bulldog squad that won the NBC and Sectional Championships.  Then, he and his teammates won the first baseball crown for RHS in 30 years.  Orr earned recognition by the league, the district, and the state during his time with the Bulldogs before going on to another storied career at Tiffin University.  The Astros in the 2020 MLB draft selected him as free agent.  Since then, Orr’s life has been a whirlwind. 

               “It’s interesting.  I’ve learned a lot,” he said.  “It’s different than what I expected, more eye-opening from a baseball standpoint.  I’ve learned that there are people that are better, and so I’ve learned a lot mentally, learned about frustration and failure; and I’ve learned to adapt to different situations.”

               Mostly used as a utility player, Orr has seen time in the field at 3B, 2B, SS, and all outfield positions.  But not only has he had to adjust to playing different positions, he has also learned to not get too settled in any one place.  This past season, he began the year in extended spring training in Florida.  From there, he was promoted to Single-A to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a Low Single-A franchise.  He was there for a few days and then moved to High A with the Asheville Tourists.  He then finished the end of the season on the developmental list, training in Florida to focus on improving certain skills. 

               So far, Orr has found the experience worthwhile.  He especially likes the bonds he has developed with new teammates.  He has also learned to appreciate the fan bases in the ballparks.  “In the ballparks I’ve been in, the home team is loved, and the away team isn’t.  They heckle the heck out of you.”

               He has tried to maintain a connection to his Rossford roots despite his success.  He said that Rossford is unique.  “You know everyone and all your friends are there,” he said, admitting that it does become easy to feel a little alone being away. 

               Right now, Orr is anticipating yet another big change in his life.  He and his girlfriend are expecting a baby on November 6.  He admits that he is both excited and nervous about this development.  Even though he doesn’t know what to expect, Orr feels that having a child on the way has only focused him more to his goals of finding success in baseball. 

               “I grew up wanting to be in the MLB, but once I made it to professional ball, I had lost some of my drive.  I thought, ‘Well, I’m here, now what?’  The baby coming has given me another reason to increase my drive again.”  He and his girlfriend currently live in Marysville, Ohio and he works out at the Bo Jackson Athletic Facility in Columbus. 

               He has a whole off-season plan that focuses on improving multiple aspects of his game.  Currently, he is working with his hitting coach on technique until sometime in November.  Then, he will change his hitting focus from November to January where he will concentrate on drills that improve his approach and discipline at the plate.  He is also lifting with a strength coach from college on building strength and working on any physical improvements. 

               Next season Orr sees himself as ready to meet a new set of challenges.  Realistically, he believes he will start in either Low A or High a again, stay there for most of the season, and maybe move up to Double-A.  Whatever the situation, though, Cody Orr will be ready to adapt as he continues to pursue his baseball dreams. 

Submitted by Michael Krieger

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