Catcher Jordan Santos is out indefinitely after he fractured his left thumb and partially tore a ligament during a game versus Indian River State College on March 17.
Santos, a sophomore, was attempting to block a ball when he was injured.
“When it happened I finished the inning, but I knew something was wrong,” Santos said. “I didn’t want to hurt myself anymore.”
It is unclear how long he will be out of action but he has a checkup in a one week. If the injuries are significant he could be out for a few weeks.
“It’s a loss,” said Sharks head baseball coach Danny Price. “But he’s now in our dugout. He’s leading, helping players and constantly talking positively.”
The six-foot catcher has been a key offensive cog for the 23-8 Sharks this season. He is hitting .372 with 15 RBI and 27 runs.
“He’s a valuable player on our team,” Price said. “The way he handles himself and goes about his business, he wants to win.”
Santos transferred to Miami Dade College this year after spending his freshman season at the University of South Florida.
“I decided I needed a change,” Santos said. “I thought it would be the best time to fulfill this avenue because I felt like I made a mistake. I didn’t feel like I got a fair opportunity there, so I decided to get away from home and come to Miami.”
His teammates at MDC say Santos has been a good fit and has been a very vocal leader.
“Jordan is very loud on the field and a good teammate,” said pitcher Nicholas Chiseri. “Off the field, you won’t get a word out of him. He’s very quiet.”
Santos grew up playing baseball because of his father’s love for the game. He was put in leagues as a child and has been consumed by the game ever since.
“It’s the only sport I ever played,” Santos said. “It’s time-consuming. You have to be a perfectionist with baseball, so it’s hard to play other sports.”
Santos is also loving his time at MDC.
“It’s been a great experience,” Santos said. “I don’t regret anything coming down here. I’ve learned a lot about myself and baseball, so it’s definitely going to be a memorable time in my life.”
The Sharks next game is versus ASA College at the Kendall Campus baseball field, 11011 S.W. 104th St., on April 4 at 3 p.m.
