Jayce Dobie's journey to the Nevada baseball diamond began long before he stepped onto the field. Growing up in Santa Clara, California, he spent weekends traveling with his parents to Reno, where the sights and sounds of the city would later become part of his story. At three years old, doctors diagnosed him with moderate to severe hearing loss, a condition first noticed when his family realized he often asked for the television volume to be turned up. Rather than letting the diagnosis limit him, Dobie's family turned to technology, fitting him with hearing aids that feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing him to stream audio directly to his ears and even enjoy quiet nights of sleep.
The breakthrough came when a simple test with his grandfather's hearing aid revealed a marked improvement in his auditory perception. With the new devices, Dobie could fully engage in the fast‑paced environment of college baseball, where communication is key. He was recruited by the Nevada baseball team after former head coach Jake McKinley recognized his raw talent and two‑way versatility, a rarity in the sport.
A Voice for the Hearing Impaired
On the mound and at the plate, Dobie has become a standout performer. In the 2025 season he is batting .365 with eight home runs, while also delivering strong outings as a pitcher. His dual‑threat abilities have earned him a place on the All‑Mountain West first team and a semifinalist nomination for the prestigious John Olerud Two‑Way Player of the Year Award. Coach Jordan Getzelman frequently highlights Dobie's work ethic, humility and the positive energy he brings to teammates.
Beyond statistics, Dobie hopes to serve as a beacon for youngsters confronting hearing challenges. He believes that with the right support and adaptive tools, obstacles can be transformed into strengths. "I want kids who are hard of hearing to know they can chase big dreams," he says, a sentiment echoed by his coaches and teammates.