Ansley Gavlak 
UGA Sports Communications

As a senior in high school living in the Dominican Republic, Jordy Oriach had no idea he would one day play for the University of Georgia. In fact, he didn’t think he’d have the chance to play college baseball at all.

After standout freshman and sophomore seasons at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas, Oriach transferred to New Mexico for his junior year, where he led the Mountain West in hits, total bases, doubles, runs scored, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. 

Now, the 6-foot-5 and 245-pound outfielder from Haverhill, Mass., joins the Bulldogs as one of 26 newcomers, helping fuel one of the top recruiting classes in the nation this season. 

Gavlak: What has it been like playing for three different schools in your college career?

Oriach: It’s been a crazy journey. I would never expect to be at Georgia. I don’t know how to explain it — I feel like each year I’ve gotten better. I was like, “I just need to go to the best school I can possibly go to,” and that’s why I picked Georgia.

Gavlak: How did your time at Frank Phillips and New Mexico impact you as a player?

Oriach: My first two years at JUCO ball and Frank were — I was super immature. I would just go at it. I just didn’t really care as much. And then I was like, Okay, I can really do this for a living. It just made me more mature. But, after those two years at Frank, I went to New Mexico and it just started clicking for me. I just went to the field every day feeling happy, feeling like I can do this for a living. And that brought me here.

Gavlak: When you entered the transfer portal, what stood out to you most about Georgia?

Oriach: I would say the facilities, and for hitters, we have a good hitting program. We go through all the analytics and it’s beautiful. And obviously I’m a left-handed hitter, so the 314 [feet to the wall in right field] is perfect for me. So, that’s why I chose here. It was just an amazing atmosphere. [Ike Cousins Head Baseball Coach Wes Johnson] said I’m a perfect fit to be a Bulldog, so I was like, “I’m ready to go.” Georgia has always been one of my favorite schools, too, so it’s been a dream come true. 

Gavlak: What excites you most about coming to play in the SEC?

Oriach: I think just playing against all the other top teams. I’m super excited. I’ve never gotten to play against LSU and all those other teams. And I’m excited because we’re going to be really good this year. 

Gavlak: How did living in the Dominican Republic for two years influence you?

Oriach: It was a very hard time for me. I had been playing baseball for my whole life. When we moved to the Dominican Republic, I would see all my friends playing high school baseball, and it was a tough time. But I feel like it just made me a better player. When I was there, I didn’t even think I was going to be able to play college baseball at all. I was just in a state where I [thought] if I didn’t play two years of high school, then I didn’t know who was going to take me. And thank God that Frank Phillips took me in. 

Gavlak: What advice would you give high school players hoping to play D-I baseball?

Oriach: Just don’t quit. Keep going. I mean, for me, my story is crazy. I shouldn’t even be here; it’s wild. I just kept going, kept fighting through it. My parents obviously helped me out with all of it, but my words are to just keep going and never quit. 

Gavlak: What’s been your favorite restaurant in Athens so far?

Oriach: I think Trappeze might be my favorite one. I love it. I go there at least once a week. I get the steak frites — it’s really good.

Gavlak: If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

Oriach: Everybody says I should be playing football. Everybody thinks I’m a tight end. I guess I’m pretty physical, so I think [football] would be perfect for me.

Gavlak: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Oriach: My dad [Juan]. He came from the Dominican Republic when he was 19. He’s never quit. He made a living for himself. So, I guess I just always look up to him.