Applied economics major Robert Orr ’27, shortstop for University of the Pacific’s baseball team, takes the diamond at Klein Family Field wearing No. 4—a number that has stuck with him since childhood.

“My dad and my grandpa wore the number four when they played sports, and it’s always been a lucky number for us,” Orr said.

Although that number has always symbolized good fortune, his journey at Pacific quickly tested that belief.

Just eight games into his Division I career in 2025, Orr sustained a season-ending injury that required surgery—an early setback that challenged his resilience. 

“I feel like the injury was almost a blessing in disguise,” Orr said. “It gave me a wake-up call on how I was overtraining, and I formulated a plan as soon as I got hurt to make sure I would be back and ready to go.”

After committing to a more balanced training regimen and focusing on recovery, Orr returned with a renewed energy and a smoother approach at the plate.

In his second year with the Tigers, Orr has been a major catalyst of the offense, pacing Pacific with a team-leading .307 batting average, 24 runs, 21 RBIs and six home runs.

Orr was named West Coast Conference Player of the Week March 9 for his performance at the plate in a road series at Nevada and single game at San Jose State, going 10-for-16 (.625) with a pair of home runs, four runs and five RBIs in that stretch.

“When Orr is on his game, he is extremely athletic and versatile,” Pacific Head Coach Reed Peters said. “He’s got a plus arm and plus power that really boosts our team.” 

While the stats have been an indicator of his talent, what impresses Peters the most is Orr’s pregame approach.

“He really takes great care of his body,” Peters said. “He has been working hard in the weight room and eating the right things. He’s following a well-laid out plan by him and the training staff.”

Orr and the Tigers will play their final home games this week when they host Cal at 6 p.m. Tuesday and a weekend series against San Diego beginning 6 p.m. Friday. The full schedule is available online.