Orosmar Cuevas has been named the CUNYAC/Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for April 2016. The Bronx native and Liberal Arts major holds a 3.50 cumulative grade point average with a minor in Education. Orosmar Cuevas is a co-captain of the Broncos Baseball team and is a source of encouragement and stability for his teammates.
Cuevas graduated from Mott Haven Educational Campus and attended Sullivan County CC briefly before returning to the Bronx. “I did very well academically, but it didn’t feel right. New York is my home and Bronx CC is right up the street from where I live.” Cuevas preferred the familiarity of the Bronx, and the welcoming feeling of the campus, “I love the campus, the students are people from where I’m from, but I still feel like I’m away for college.”
Head Coach Adolfo De Jesus glows with pride, "Orosmar Cuevas gives 100% in all he does with his academics and in the baseball field. He showed up to practices and games ready and full of positive energy - a true Bronco! - excellent representative of our team."
The 2nd Baseman was first encouraged to play baseball by his brothers, one of which, Luis Montesino, is a Bronco as well. Not only has baseball created an avenue for future successes for Cuevas, it has also nurtured lifetime friendships. Cuevas has been playing baseball since he was 14 years old and baseball will always have a special place in his heart. Cuevas finds many similarities between the field and the classroom, “In the field, I have to always be thinking one step ahead, be prepared for all possible outcomes and be ready to react. In the classroom, I do the same, I use my planner to organize myself and this way I am always prepared for anything that comes my way.”
During the month of April 2nd Baseman Orosmar Cuevas played in 19 games. He had 42 at bat, scored 12 runs and had 18 hits, including 2 doubles. Orosmar Cuevas had 6 RBI's, stole 4 bases and had 12 walks and 9 strikeouts.Orosmar Cuevas batting average for the month was .429, with an on-base percentage of .571% and a slugging percentage of .476%. On defense, the sophomore had 64 putouts, and 33 assists. His fielding percentage for the month was .882%.
Practicing, participating in 19 games in April alone, paired with challenging academic demands sounds overwhelming; not for Cuevas. He has mastered what many struggle with: proper time management. Cuevas reveals his secret to success, “Planning is a big thing for me. I record all exams and assignments listed in each syllabus in my planner. This way I always have my work done ahead of time and can focus on the next priority.”
When Cuevas isn’t on the field or studying, the infielder prefers to stay active and spend time with his friends and family. Cuevas discloses, “I have a close knit group of five friends and we do everything together. We look out for each other and they’re my brothers.” These same family members are also those who inspire Cuevas the most. “We all grew up playing baseball together and even though they are younger than me, they inspire me to be a better version of myself. I feel like they saved me, I met them when I had no direction in my life, they believed in me and got me back on the right track.” Cuevas has realized the importance of having a support system and is incredibly grateful for his “Core Five.”
Bronco’s Head Coach, Adolfo De Jesus has created an environment which has allowed his players to grow and mature. Cuevas says warmly, “Adolfo lets us be ourselves, and also manages to find strengths within our weaknesses. He sees us for us and never tries to change us into something we aren’t.”
When Cuevas speaks about his coach, he speaks with admiration, “Every time Adolfo talks, he tells us the truth about real life things, and that’s the kind of coach I want to be. I see him as a father figure, we have built a connection and that’s something we will always have. He played and graduated from BCC, then graduated from Lehman, and has been helping kids for 30+ years. He did it, why can’t I?” Cuevas began volunteering as a coach with Harlem RBI last summer, and he’s hooked, “Baseball is what I love to do, and I’m grateful it has allowed me to help others.”
“I was surprised! I didn’t know I had been named Scholar-Athlete of the Month for April until you called me today,” Cuevas discloses on being recognized for his talents and academic excellence. “This really means so much to me, it’s a great feeling to see that the hard work I’ve put in does pay off.”
Cuevas plans on investing his time and energy inspiring students to reach their full potential. “I want to inspire New York City adolescents to not only transition into adulthood, but to make this transition in a way that prepares them for the future and leaves them with endless opportunities,” Cuevas is passionate about teaching and will pursue a degree in Secondary Education, and sees himself as a physical education teacher and coach in New York City.