Pollack Close to Fulfilling Lifelong Dream

Jordan Pollack dreams in color, but not just any hue. It's the scarlet and gray of  Ohio State University that he's envisioning.

Pollack, a senior outfielder on the Calabasas High baseball team, will be heading off to college in Columbus, where he'll play for the Buckeyes. It will be the culmination of a lifelong dream.

"You can look at baby pictures of me. I've always been an Ohio State kid," Pollack said. "My dad's from Beachwood, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University. I've just been born and raised to bleed scarlet and gray."

It's easy to tell how much Pollack loves Ohio State. He has an Ohio State lanyard for a key chain. He has an Ohio State backpack he brings to baseball practices. He has an Ohio State sticker on his car and an Ohio State baseball cap in the backseat.

Even his teammates will attest to how much Pollack supports Ohio State.

"Die-hard," said Calabasas pitcher Travis Cassidy. "He'll tell you anything about any sport."

For as long as Calabasas coach Ed Edsall can remember, Pollack has been a fan of Ohio State.

"I've known Jordan since he just graduated eighth grade," Edsall said. "I coached him the summer coming into his freshman year. The one thing he always talked about was Ohio State. He wears Ohio State gear everywhere. That's his dream. He has matured each year both on and off the field. It's been a lot of fun for me watching him grow into a man. I'm sure if he continues to work hard and improve, Ohio State's going to be very lucky to have him."

Pollack is one of the top hitters on the Calabasas team. He has a .289 batting average with nine RBIs and three doubles in 14 games. He is third on the team in RBIs and second on the team in doubles. His numbers might have been higher if he hadn't injure his foot midway through the season and missed four games.

"He started out really hot for us, and then he got hurt," Edsall said. "Now he's back, and it's good to have him back full strength."

Calabasas is tied for fourth place in the Marmonte League standings. Pollack said he wants to see his team improve and make a run at the playoffs.

"I can't wait for playoffs," Pollack said. "I don't want my senior season to end."

It would be like waking up from a pleasant dream. When he does, and his high school baseball career is over, he has the college of his dreams awaiting him.

"Getting the opportunity to play for Ohio State is just mind-boggling," Pollack said. "For people who say dreams don't come true, they definitely do. As long as you put the work ethic in and do what you have to do, you get what you want."