As the Colonels’ baseball team nears the halfway mark of their season, they can be assured that senior Chase Jaramillo can provide the spark, both on and off the field, to help guide the team in a winning direction.

Jaramillo, originally from the “Sunshine State,” has showed the fans of Nicholls baseball the meaning of hard work and passion for the sport he grew up loving.

“I would like to think I’m hard working and very dedicated to everything I do, especially baseball. It’s my life,” Jaramillo said.

With this dedication to his craft, Jaramillo has been able to become a leader of the baseball team after only two seasons with the Colonels. During his brief stint as a Colonels shortstop, Jaramillo has continued to find a way to improve his game, crediting his maturity as a person as the reason for his on-the-field improvements.

“I have become a lot smarter with the situational side of baseball, and I’ve learned when to look for certain pitches and when not to swing,” Jaramillo said.

Jaramillo recognizes Florida Marlins’ shortstop Hanely Ramirez as his idol and said, “I look up to Ramirez because he plays hard, hits well and fields incredibly. He is just an all around great player.”

Much like good leaders do, Jaramillo puts his personal goals of success last as he stresses the importance of the team, although he would appreciate the opportunity to play his beloved sport on the next level.

“Of course, every baseball player hopes there is more after college, but as for now, I’m just playing and having fun because I love this game,” Jaramillo said.

Though Jaramillo takes his role with the baseball team seriously, he also takes pride in being able to just be another one of the guys in the locker room. He believes that with a mixture of hard work and fun, the Nicholls baseball team can end up playing in the conference tournament at the end of the season.

“To be honest with you, we have a good group of guys that work hard and know how to have fun. I expect us to make it to the conference tournament,” Jaramillo said.

Jaramillo emphasizes the words “hard work,” and he believes in the combination of guys put together on the team. His aspirations for his future are put on hold as he continues to lead the Colonels in the locker room and on the baseball field.

“Our record might not look too good right now, but I promise you we are about to get on a roll,” Jaramillo said.

With his leadership, passion and confidence, Colonels fans might have enough reasons to put their faith in Jaramillo.

Senior shortstop Chase Jaramillo looks after a ball he just hit during Friday’s game against the University of Texas at Arlington.