Imagine a family where softball stars are the norm, and their younger brother is following in their impressive footsteps. That's the story of Mikey Romero, a Sox prospect with a unique family legacy.
The Romero family has a rich history in softball, with Mikey's older sisters, Sierra and Sydney, shining bright in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. This league, backed by Major League Baseball, has grown to six teams, with an exciting schedule starting in June. And it's not just any league - it's a league with a difference, featuring the likes of Maya Brady, Tom Brady's niece, and former Marlins general manager Kim Ng as its commissioner.
Sierra Romero, a four-time All-American at Michigan, is considered one of the greatest college softball players ever. Her stats speak for themselves: an impressive .441 batting average, 82 home runs, and 305 RBIs in just 252 games. She now plays for the Texas Volts, continuing her softball journey.
But it's not just Sierra - Sydney Romero, a two-time NCAA champion at Oklahoma, was also a standout player. She was the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2019 and a finalist for national player of the year. Sydney's talents don't stop there; she's also an assistant coach at Oregon, while playing for the Oklahoma City Spark in the AUSL. And let's not forget their younger sister, Sophia, a redshirt sophomore outfielder at Boise State, who's also making her mark.
"I like to say my little sister could be the best one," Mikey Romero said with pride. "She got all the little stuff that we all picked up over the years."
Growing up in California, Sierra and Sydney would hit into a small net, practicing their skills. But by the time Mikey started taking his game seriously, the family had upgraded to a full batting cage in their backyard. It's no wonder, then, that Mikey was inspired to follow in his sisters' footsteps and play baseball.
"With the similarities between baseball and softball, it was easy for me to want to play baseball after seeing my sisters play," he explained. "Being around them kind of pushed me. It seemed like my family always had a game to go to when I was growing up."
Mikey's sisters recognized his potential early on. "We set the foundation for him a little bit," Sierra said. "I like to think we showed him the determination it takes because he was there watching us. The early mornings, the practices, he saw it all firsthand. He became a great player himself."
Sierra described herself as the intense one, with Sydney being the quieter sister. "Mikey is a typical pro player. He's hardworking and on the quiet side, just like us," Sierra said. "Sophia, she's fiery. We're all different, but I think we all take a lot of pride in our hitting."
It's a special moment for the family to see Mikey, once the little brother tagging along to games, now a professional athlete in his own right. "It's strange for me to see Mikey as a pro," Sierra admitted. "I used to take him to hitting lessons, and I remember coming back from college to see his travel ball games. It makes me super proud to see the little Mikey I knew growing up become a man living out his dreams."
Mikey hasn't had an easy road to the pros. A back injury limited him to just 53 games in his first two minor league seasons. But he bounced back, posting an impressive .821 OPS in 2024 and appearing in 111 games between Double A Portland and Worcester last year, with 54 extra-base hits and a .752 OPS at only 21 years old.
"I was finally healthy and ready to go in 2024," Mikey said. "I just got comfortable, and I showed I was picked where I was supposed to be."
Mikey has been working hard this offseason, focusing on improving his arm strength, lateral quickness, and overall athleticism. He's attended camps and development programs, determined to make his dream of becoming a big leaguer a reality.
The Romero family has faced challenges, including the loss of their father, Michael Romero, last February after a long battle with cancer. He lived long enough to see his daughters earn college scholarships and his son become a first-round pick, a moment the family cherishes.
"I look back to when I was drafted, and having him there when it happened," Mikey said. "I know he's watching me now, and I'm playing for him."
The family's excitement is palpable, with Melissa Romero, Mikey's mother, talking about dropping everything if Mikey is called up so they can all be there for his first game together. "My mom is so excited about it," Sierra said. "Hopefully, we can all be there. My parents sacrificed so much for us. Mikey getting to the big leagues would be something special for our family."
This story is a testament to the power of family and the inspiration that can be found within it. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best motivation comes from those closest to us, pushing us to reach for the stars and achieve our dreams.
And this is just the beginning of Mikey Romero's journey. What do you think? Will he make it to the big leagues? Let's discuss in the comments!
