Derrick Tuskan, Photo Editor

Nick Romero keeps his friends close. And his family even closer.

Think “Brady Bunch.” Think “Eight is Enough.” Think “The Waltons.”

Romero was taught by his mom, Ann, at Eastlake High.

Romero was coached by his dad, Ed, for many years.

Romero was watched by his maternal grandfather, Dan Wachowiak, who hasn’t missed one of his home games since he started playing baseball at age eight.

Noticing a trend?

“Family has always meant everything to me,” Nick said. “My dad has been one of my best friends. My mom, my grandparents, my whole family; they’re all really big influences in my life.”

And Nick has been quite an influence on theirs.

“I just love to watch him play,” Wachowiak said. “I’m just so happy to be associated with Nick in any way possible, and I know that all of us in the family think he’s a special kid.”

This special kid felt the same way about his family. So much so that, when it came time to pick a college – a canvas on which to display his talents – he stayed close to home.

Real close.

Romero, a freshman starting shortstop for San Diego State, still lives at home in Chula Vista, making the drive to school and to practice every day from his parent’s house.

“It’s not always easy, but it has made my transition a lot easier,” Romero said. “It’s nice to be able to come home after a tough game and be able to get a home-cooked meal, or just sit and relax in my room. It’s nice not having to worry as much.”

Added Ann Romero: “I love it. It’s so nice to have him (still living) at home. When he committed to SDSU, a lot of the coaches encouraged him to stay home because it makes the transition easier.”

Between practices and classes, he can be found driving around Chula Vista, visiting his grandparents for lunch or dropping in on his old high school’s practices.

But Ed Romero is quick to point out that while his son may still have his old room, he is every bit as independent as a student who lives on his own.

“He comes and goes as he pleases,” Ed Romero said. “He is every bit his own man. He really gets the best of both worlds, gets to have his cake and eat it, too, because we treat him as an adult and trust him wholeheartedly.”

That trust is mutual, as Romero credits his familial connections for helping him grow into the man – and player – he is today.

“My dad is the reason I am the man that I am today,” Romero said. “We’ve been close my whole life. He has influenced the way I am, the way I portray myself.”

Added Ed Romero: “I’ve tried to teach him a blue-collar attitude, a great work ethic and accountability. I talk to him all the time about it, saying ‘I don’t care if you’re a freshman, you’ve got to be accountable to yourself and your teammates.'”

Dave Gonzalez, Romero’s high-school coach at Eastlake, said that Ed Romero definitely instilled a sense of hard work in his son.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy work as hard as Nick does,” Gonzalez said. “He’s always coming by our practices to take extra (batting practice) or ground balls. Every time I drive by his house it seems like he’s out in his garage lifting weights, practicing his swing, hitting off a tee.”

That is, unless, he’s hanging out with his best friends.

His family.