Reminiscing on College Days
It’s been over a decade since JoJo Romero, a former baseball standout at Nevada, wore his jersey at Peccole Park, yet he fondly recalls his experiences in the Biggest Little City. “That was fun,” Romero shared during the Cardinals’ visit to Sacramento to face the Athletics. Initially stepping in as a starter, he had minimal expectations apart from learning to be a college athlete, particularly focused on gaining weight, moving from 150 to about 185 pounds. He found joy in understanding the college environment and enjoyed a successful season with notable teammates like Austin Byler, with whom he has maintained contact.
Achieving History with Nevada
Romero played a significant role in Nevada’s first Mountain West Championship in 2015. The team was ranked 23rd nationally leading into the final week but unfortunately lost its last three games, missing out on an NCAA Regional at-large berth. After Coach Jay Johnson departed for Arizona in 2016, Romero transferred to Yavapai College.
From College to Pros
Romero had planned to follow Johnson to Arizona but was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth round as the 107th overall pick in 2016. He made his major league debut in 2020 and joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022, reflecting on valuable lessons learned from Johnson, who has since secured two national titles at LSU. “The significant takeaway was learning how to compete,” Romero noted, appreciating Johnson’s focus on competitiveness and the finer details of the game.
Debuting in the Big Leagues
His major league debut was different than envisioned, as family were unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions. The wait in the bullpen for more than 15 days was nerve-wracking, but before entering the game, Romero energized himself by downing a Red Bull. “Once you’re in there, it’s about staying and figuring it out for your career,” he remarked about the experience.
Dedication to the Game
Romero emphasized his commitment to baseball, stating, “I eat, sleep, and breathe baseball.” He recognizes the support and mentorship from past teammates and coaches, aspiring to leave the game better than he found it by being a positive influence on younger players.
Excitement in International Competition
Participating in Team Mexico’s deep run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic was a highlight of Romero’s career. “That was awesome,” he expressed, likening it to playoff baseball in spring training. Competing against teams like Puerto Rico and Japan was an exhilarating experience, and it meant a lot to him to represent his family heritage.
Current Season and Future Goals
As one of the leading lefty relievers, Romero aims to build on his performance in the 2026 season, having maintained a 3.43 ERA in 21 appearances this year. With 200 career strikeouts achieved recently, he credits his development to being part of a prestigious organization and learning from legends like Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, and Adam Wainwright. He focuses on a simple approach: “Just doing your job,” which he believes allows everything else to fall into place.
