At just 15 years old, the Grade 10 student from John McGregor Secondary School is the youngest player on the under-18 squad, training with the Canadian Junior National Team in the Dominican Republic—a journey that’s left his family, school, and hometown of Chatham filled with pride.
For Gino’s father, Rocco De Santis, this moment is a realization of a long-held dream, not just for Gino but also as a shared family legacy. During an interview with The Journal, Rocco’s voice held a mix of pride, nostalgia, and an understanding of the profound commitment required to raise an athlete of Gino’s calibre.
“We always knew Gino had a gift,” Rocco said with a laugh, “but we couldn’t have imagined how far he’d come by the age of 15.” Baseball is woven into the family’s roots—Rocco’s father once had an opportunity with the Montreal Expos, but family obligations and the weight of tradition prevented him from pursuing it. Rocco himself grew up with a deep love for the sport, though his path led him in other directions. Now, Gino is bringing that dream to life, with a determination and natural ability that goes well beyond his years.
Like many Canadian athletes, Gino’s path began at home. Living near McGregor, he spent countless hours honing his skills on local fields, supported by his family’s guidance. “From an early age, we saw something special in him—his drive, it was something else,” Rocco recalled. Gino’s natural athleticism shone through in various sports, from basketball to baseball, but the latter quickly became his passion. By the time he joined the Great Lakes Canadians, with its renowned development program, it was clear Gino’s potential was extraordinary.
The journey to joining the Junior National Team (U18), however, was anything but linear. Rocco and his wife, Elizabeth, made thoughtful choices at every step to ensure Gino was surrounded by the best opportunities to grow, including stints with teams in Windsor and London to broaden his experiences. "We wanted him to see that he wasn’t the only one with this talent, that there were others just as skilled, if not better,” Rocco shared. “It was humbling and eye-opening for him, and it gave him the drive to be even better.”
Experiences with away camps as a child also played a vital role in Gino’s growth, providing the family with insight into how to help Gino thrive independently. His parents enrolled him in an intensive baseball camp in Pennsylvania, where he experienced a taste of independence away from home. “That camp was pivotal,” Rocco noted. “For the first time, he was out there without us—learning, competing, and making decisions on his own. It taught him resilience and confidence in a way we couldn’t have done ourselves.”
Today, Gino stands out not only for his skills but for his maturity and calm demeanor on the field. “He’s got this natural calmness, I don’t know how he does it,” said Rocco, chuckling. “It’s his personality. As a catcher, he commands the game—he understands it on a deeper level than most kids his age I think.” Gino’s composure has earned him the respect of coaches and older teammates, many of whom recognize his potential to be a true leader in the sport.
Gino’s family life also plays an essential role in his journey. His sister Angelina, a quiet supporter, has never complained about the demands of her brother’s busy sports schedule, which often keeps the family on the road. Rocco emphasized how grateful they are for the support of everyone at home, acknowledging the weight it could otherwise place on Gino’s shoulders.
"We’re fortunate she’s never been a thorn in his side,” he said. “She’s been with us at every game and tournament when possible, cheering him on. That kind of support is invaluable.” Angelina's quiet presence and unwavering encouragement have become a cornerstone for Gino, providing him with the emotional support that not every athlete is lucky enough to receive.
Though Gino is grounded in his journey, he isn’t blind to his ambitions. “We’ve spoken about the possibility of a professional career, but we remind him that it’s like winning the lottery,” Rocco said. “If it happens, it’s the cherry on top. If not, we’re grateful for every experience.”
With eligibility for the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft still three years away, Gino is poised for continued growth and new opportunities. He was still invited to take part in the Junior National Team’s Fall Dominican Instructional League (DIL) Camp this week despite his young age, where he will be exposed to scouts and coaches representing several MLB teams.
Over nine days, the team will compete in 12 games against DIL clubs representing MLB organizations from the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Toronto Blue Jays.
For now, Gino’s focus remains on learning, building connections, and honing his skills. As Rocco noted, “This is just the beginning. He’s putting in the work now, and we’re here to support him every step of the way.” In Chatham and across Canada, Gino De Santis represents the future of baseball—rooted in family, fuelled by community, and driven by an unwavering passion for the game.
Photos provided by the Di Santis family, 2024.
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