Heart of a Colt, Mind of a Mentor: Middlesex College Athlete Eager to Return to the Field After Injury

Missing last baseball season was a first for John Oranchak—and a last if he has anything to say about it. The Middlesex College sophomore from East Brunswick is expected to soon return to action for the nationally-ranked Colts after suffering a serious shoulder injury while making a diving catch last April. At the time of his injury, he was batting just under .300 with 19 stolen bases.

Instead of sulking, Oranchak has maintained a positive attitude during his rehabilitation, even serving as an unofficial team manager for the Colts this year. He is often seen providing advice and setting an example for his teammates.

“I show up every day and try to be the first guy at practice and give the guys some energy,” Oranchak said. “I try to teach them what I know hitting-wise if they’re struggling and help them mentally. I also work with them with their classes and try to get them acclimated to school and playing 50 to 60 games. We play good competition. It’s hard mentally on guys.”

Oranchak, 20, played baseball and basketball at East Brunswick High School. His father played basketball at Middlesex College and was his first baseball coach. Injury unfortunately struck him during his senior year, derailing Oranchak’s recruiting process. His father referred him to Middlesex College as a place where he could develop as an athlete and a student.

“I love school here,” said Oranchak, who is studying exercise science. “Some of the classes are hard, but the thing about college is you can choose what you want to study, so it’s easy to pay attention.”

His versatility as a baseball player is a valuable asset—Oranchak is a left-hander who has a smooth swing with good power, and can also pitch. He was playing well for the Colts until he injured his shoulder, suffering a torn rotator cuff and slight labrum tear, for which he had surgery on last summer followed by physical therapy and rehab.

“I could probably play in a game right now,” said Oranchak. “Maybe not 110 percent, no pitching yet, but I might come back to that later if my arm feels really good. I don’t want to risk it right now because I am more of a hitter, too.”

Oranchak hasn’t given up on his baseball dreams. Growing up his youth coaches said he would hit his prime when he was in his early 20s. He’s sure he can contribute to a division 1 baseball program if given the opportunity. After that, he’d love to help the next players up the line.

“I always loved the weight room and training. My hitting coach used to say you have to love the process more than the game, and I’m that kind of a guy,” Oranchak said. In the future, Oranchak hopes to take his skillset and start his own baseball facility to help other kids achieve their dreams.