Junior John Howard lives to play on the field. He lives for the moment when he throws a perfect pitch and gets the sweet satisfaction of throwing a strikeout. He lives for the atmosphere and thrill of the sport. Since the age of four, starting out at the YMCA, Howard has dedicated his time to succeeding in baseball.

“I love it, I enjoy playing. I enjoy the camaraderie of the team. I love the coaches I play with, they’ve really helped push me along while I’ve been playing, and I like it because I’m good at it as well.”

Good may be an understatement for Howard, he is exceptional. Pitching 69 innings and throwing 103 strikeouts last season on Varsity Howard earned himself the title of second place for number of strikeouts in the metro area, and was in the top five for number of innings pitched. The team also won districts last year for the first time in 13 years, and the outlook is good for improvement this year.

“We are coming back with a team that is probably better than the one we had last year.” Said Howard, “So far our team is getting along really really well and so I think we could make a pretty good run through our district and hopefully get through sectionals this year and we’ll just see where it goes from there.”

Junior Chris Longman, one of Howards teammates, recognizes the talent and drive Howard has in the game.

“He’s one of those guys who obviously leads on the field, he’s one of the most gifted athletes in the school and he knows how to set goals and show other people how to meet their goals by meeting his. He really devotes a lot of time and energy to it, not because its gonna get him into college, he does it because he loves it and I really admire that,” Said Longman.

Howard has plans to play in the Division one league for baseball in college. He has been told he can get into few places with baseball and his family and coaches and coaches have high hopes for him.

Varsity coach Craig Sucher has seen Howard on the field, and recognizes his talent.

“He has a passion for the game that is infectious, and it sets a tone one that I think others are eager to get behind and follow through on. In the second half of last season he got himself right and was a really important part in the top of our line up. I’m looking forward to all of that Kind of getting better.  I think it will, its looking good so far.”

Howard’s love for the game, and the intensity he puts out on the field has radiated to the rest of the team. He leads by example, and has really shown how stay strong, persevere and come out on top.

Howard has advice for any upcoming players who are looking to follow their baseball career past high school. He feels that if one dedicates his time and energy to the sport they can succeed.

“If you’re  looking to play in college you need to get yourself out on the market early . The market as in the recruiting market, you really want to start going to show cases as early as your freshman and sophomore year. And you want to find a position you can play but not stick yourself to that position. You really want to get good at a couple positions. When your are given the opportunity to play, play wherever you can.”