Baseball Adds International Talent

Despite being almost 2,600 miles from home, Gustavo Sanchez still finds time to talk to his family.

Gustavo, junior, Recreation Administration, and a new pitcher on the Ottawa Braves baseball team. He hails from the city of Valencia, Venezuela, where his family still lives. Gustavo frequently finds time to call his family and let them know how he's doing.

"My two people that I admire the most are my parents," he said.

Gustavo has been playing baseball for 15 years, and pitching for most of it. He said that he likes the sport for the tactics and interaction with teammates. Of course, he also likes to win. Gustavo has already had two years as an international student, as he is a transfer from Western Nebraska Community College.

"When Coach Reed saw me, he made me an offer, that's how I ended up here," he said.
Gustavo said he likes OUfor the size and the people.

"People are great, my team is great," Sanchez said.

Gustavo described himself as very friendly but quiet. Joe Reed, head baseball coach, agreed.

"Very humble, soft-spoken... Very likable guy, a good friend," Reed said of Gustavo.

Reed feels that Gustavo is a great addition to the team.

"He definitely has what we call pitch-ability," he said.

According to Reed, good pitching is more important than good batting.

"Gustavo possesses some potential," Coach Reed said. "Anytime a pitcher comes in that has stuff like he has it's going to give the team an entire boost. They're going to be tough to beat on those days."

Reed also said that Gustavo takes a leadership role on the team.

"He's a catalyst," Reed said. "He really sets the tone for us on defense."

Christian Rivera, a senior exercise science major and catcher on the team, agrees with the Coach's opinion.

"He's a good teammate, takes care of his business," he said. "He makes sure others are doing their jobs as well."

Rivera and Sanchez are both new transfers and roommates. Rivera said that Gustavo is organized, responsible, and punctual.

"He's a good roommate," Rivera said. "I have no complaints."

Gustavo is also very solid in his academic studies.

"He's very impressive as a student," Reed said.

The coach also said that international students sometimes struggle due to language barriers.

"What's impressive with Gustavo, he's been able to pick up the English language very quickly," Reed said. "He has the ability to excel."

While he feels he may get a little more attention as an international student, but not too much.

"People don't treat you like you're different," he said.

Gustavo noticed Cultural differences between Venezuela and the United States. More people celebrate traditional holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"We don't do it as much in Venezuela," he said.

Of course, the weather is different as well.

"We always have 90 degree weather, even in wintertime," Gustavo said.

Gustavo spoke briefly on his future goals.

"My goals are to get my degree, sign a baseball pro contract," he said.