Luis Ortiz, one of Union University's most outstanding baseball athletes, was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. From an early age, Luis dreamed of playing major league baseball. However, his parents, while encouraging his lofty goal, showed him the importance of pursuing a college education, especially in a poor country like the Dominican Republic.
Entering his senior year at De La Salle Dominican High School, he attended tryouts for talented baseball players who were looking to pursue a college degree in the United States. At this point, Luis realized after the tryouts that he could pursue his dream of a college education and potentially a professional baseball career.
In the fall of 1988, Luis received a full athletic scholarship to Union University thanks to cultivation by Union baseball coach, Andy Rushing. After his junior year at Union and winning All-American honors, breaking numerous school and national records, Luis was drafted in the eighth round by the Boston Red Sox. After two full seasons in the minor leagues, Luis Ortiz achieved his dream of playing in the majors. Two years later, Luis was traded to the Texas Rangers. Luis' professional career was marked by a number of injuries but his perseverance was second to none. In all, Luis played 14 professional seasons.
Before retiring in 2004, Luis' promise to his parents was fulfilled when he returned to Union University to finish his college degree. In doing so, Luis became the first Dominican to play in the majors to graduate from college.
Currently, Luis owns Swing City at the Athletic Village, a baseball instructional facility in Keller, Texas. He has published three books in a series of 10, and has several baseball videos, while working on several inventions to improve baseball mechanics. He has not ruled out returning to organized baseball in the future as a coach.
Luis lives in North Richland Hills, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and four daughters: Gabriela, Naomi, Samantha, and Moriah.
