Romine protects and serves

Whether he was starting or coming off the bench, he accepted his role know matter what the situation called for.

ADVERTISEMENT

A great teammate, Kevin Romine played seven seasons with the Red Sox (1985-91) and was the definition of a utility outfielder.

“Boston is a great sports town and has a lot of history,” said Romine. “The fans really care about their athletes. They know their football, basketball, hockey, everything. I just found them to be very knowledgeable and supportive. I enjoyed my time there and wish I had played longer.

Romine’s first year with the Red Sox was the same year as the infamous 1986 World Series.

“I remember I was just coming up and there were a lot of veterans on the team,” said Romine. “It was neat to be a part of it and experience what was going on. It helped me grow as a ballplayer on what it takes to be successful and how these guys gel together.”

These days, Romine, 43, resides in Lake Forest, California with his wife, June. The two of them have four children Janelle, 22, Andrew, 19, Austin, 16, and Rebecca, 6.

“I grew up out here and my dad, who was a pilot, was based out here,” said Romine. “I’ve been out here since I was a baby and really haven’t known any other place. I like the weather out here and both are families are here, so it’s convenient for us. I enjoy it and my family enjoys it.”

For work, Romine is a police detective on the task force investigating auto theft.

“One thing led to another and it’s something to do,” said Romine about being a police detective. “It’s a multi-jurisdictional task force in the L.A. county area. It’s exciting and I’ve been doing it for about ten years now. I get up in the morning and make it safe for people to sleep at night.”

A graduate of Arizona State, Romine enjoyed a stellar career with the Sun Devils, which included earning third-team All-American honors in 1982. Now, his son is following in his father's footsteps and is the starting shortstop for Arizona State.

“I hope the best for him and that’s what he hopes to do someday,” said Romine. “He went through the draft this year in high school and we chose to send him to college because that’s what we thought that was best for him.

“He will go through the draft in a couple of years at the same time his younger brother will be a senior in high school. We will have them both back in the draft and who knows maybe one of them will get the chance to play for the Red Sox someday.”

A second-round pick of Boston in 1982, Romine never played for another Major League team other than the Red Sox. His best season came in 1989 when he played in 92 games hitting .274 with 13 doubles, 23 RBI and 30 runs scored.

Romine retired prior the 1992 season because of a knee injury.

“My knee was blown out at the time and couldn’t go at the time,” said Romine. “I wish I had played longer, but things happen. You deal with injuries and it gets time to move on.

“The Red Sox were always good and treated me fair. There were times I thought I could have moved on and played somewhere else and possibly got more playing time, but that situation never presented itself.”

As far as the current Red Sox, Romine was excited for Red Sox fans to see them win the World Series last year and thinks this year they have a good chance to repeat.

“I’m happy to seem them finally do it and I think I feel more for the fans,” said Romine. “They finally feel satisfied its taken care of. They were waiting so long. Players come and go, teams change every year, but when you win it, you win it for the fans.

“I think they have a good chance this year. I think they are stronger this year and I hope the best for them. I always do.”