Shushkewich: Omidi headed to Kentucky after breakout year in 2024

Fieldhouse Pirates infielder Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, topped off by a commitment to the University of Kentucky in the fall. Photo: University of Kentucky Athletics

March 17, 2025

By Tyson Shushkewich

Canadian Baseball Network

The fall months can be an exciting time for Canadian high school baseball players.

With players able to commit to a post-secondary program two years before graduating, visiting campuses and planning your future – both on the baseball field and in the academic world – can be both thrilling and nerve-racking.

This was the case for Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) late last year. The Fieldhouse Pirates infielder decided to commit to the University of Kentucky and announced his decision on social media on October 17.

“Before I officially committed to Kentucky, I had five schools in mind,” said Omidi, speaking to the Canadian Baseball Network. “I went on my visit to the program down in Lexington and was super impressed with the campus, players, and the coaching staff and just everything the program had to offer. Those facets were a major part of my reason to commit to the Wildcats.”

Last year was a breakout year for the Mississauga product, as the infielder started turning heads in tournaments and showcases across the country and in the U.S. He participated in the 2024 Perfect Game Junior National Showcase and the PBR Future Games (for the 2026/2027 Class) and was also named to the Canadian Futures Showcase, the second time he has competed in the event.

Suiting up for Team Royal at the most recent Showcase, Omidi settled into the top of the lineup for his squad and led his team with four hits in 12 at-bats while also adding a run, an RBI, and a walk. Omidi didn’t strike out in the Showcase and had a team-high four stolen bases. His efforts saw him named to the Prospects Game, where he added two more hits and three RBIs for Team Encarnacion. He also competed in the Home Run Derby, where he belted six homers.

When the Canadian Baseball Network caught up with Omidi at the Showcase, the lefty-batter discussed continuing to work on his power and approach at the plate heading into the winter months.

“One of the biggest factors in my success last season was focusing on my mental game,” said Omidi. “Power and getting into the gym and doing the right things fundamentally will always be important but I took the mental side of my game more seriously this past year and that helped with my overall game to just get better.”

That success translated into a new achievement for the infielder, with Omidi being named to the Junior National Team last October on their trip to the Dominican Republic to face professional players at their respective academies. It was Omidi’s first trip with the Junior National Team.

“It felt amazing to represent Canada and have the nation across my chest,” said Omidi. “Being there with the guys and just being able to represent my country was such an amazing experience. We were able to face some good competition and experience the differences between facing a professional pitcher versus the different arms you see playing back in Canada or the different tournaments across the States. They have a lot of raw talent in the Dominican and they are not afraid to challenge you with the fastball and keep pounding the strike zone.”

With 2024 in the rearview mirror and the Canadian Premier Baseball League on the horizon, Omidi is turning his attention to the upcoming season.

He was recently named to the CPBL roster for their Arizona Spring Trip, which starts March 17 and runs through the week against minor league squads and the Langley Blaze. He will then head back to Burlington to try to help the Pirates win a championship this summer.

“My biggest goal this season on the field is to bring home that CPBL championship with the Pirates,” said Omidi. “Bringing home that honour would be such a great experience, not just for me, but our entire program.”