On the Salamanca Study Tour in June 2018
what he considered “ his labor of love ” for the boys prior to Christmas break . Coach Fishman admired the perfectionist in Jorge , tempered with patience and openness to new ideas .
On the sports field , there was not a sport that Jorge couldn ’ t teach . From soccer to basketball to wrestling to his favorite , baseball , he transferred his joy and enthusiasm to each boy , from the gifted athlete to the youngster trying for the first time . He treated each boy in his charge with dignity and respect , regardless of ability . I had the fortune to be on bus rides to and from games . Before each contest , he would remind his team of sportsmanship , first and foremost . He dealt with the strategies of the game after he explained what a Saint David ’ s athlete should be all about . On the way back , he refrained from harping on mistakes by individuals , but rather spoke of the positives and what they learned during the game . Mistakes on the field during the game could be handled at the next practice , not on the trip back . Jorge lived by the positives , and this modeled for the boys the ways to handle victory and defeat , on and off the field .
Watching Jorge run a baseball practice is a joy to behold . It is organized , efficient , expertly manipulated , and … an awful lot of fun . He knows baseball inside and out , but he doesn ’ t try to clutter the process for his teams . Winning several MPMSL titles , Jorge was able to imbue into his squads the nuances of the sport and , most importantly , how to play the game with perfect sportsmanship .
One aspect of Jorge ’ s ability to work with young men is how he was able to make every boy feel a part of whatever he was doing . Jorge could speak with the sports minded boys and the boys not particularly involved with athletics . To one group he could talk music , to another photography , and to others TV or movies . I have seen Jorge holding court in my classroom or in the Commons area , allowing the boys to initiate the topics . His interest in baseball cards , Star Trek , guitar music , or the ramifications of the suicide squeeze allowed every boy to feel comfortable . He made every boy feel special and important during some of those impromptu discussions .
Beyond the daily responsibilities , there are words about Jorge Román , truly a man for all seasons , that go beyond duties , interests , and areas of expertise . Jorge ’ s gentle nature shone above all . In a world quick to judge , rarely have I been in his presence where he didn ’ t exhibit patience and understanding for everyone and every situation . Jorge , to use a cliché , enjoyed his life and work in a “ glass half-full ” approach . An almost imperceptible head nod would be the most negative response I ’ ve ever seen from Jorge . His kindness is a renowned trait throughout the school . ( From baseball cards to sports books , I have personally been a recipient of Jorge ’ s largess , as have others .)
If ever “ understated brilliance ” could be used to describe a man , Jorge Román would seemingly fit that bill . Honesty , responsibility , enthusiasm , zest for life , and kindness are simply words in a dictionary . From our first interview back in the 80 ’ s , Jorge Román has been the epitome of the Saint David ’ s “ good man ,” and I consider him a friend , above all . Good luck , Jorge . Happy and healthy hiking as you embrace your next road . •
Tom Ryan is an Eighth Grade Homeroom , English and Religion Teacher at Saint David ’ s School .
Summer 2022 • 17