By Mike Moguin
When baseball state powerhouse Claremore takes the diamond this spring, it will welcome freshman John Tedesco, known as “Johnny,” to its squad.
Tedesco brings in outstanding credentials and has been recognized by credible sources in the game.
Ask him what accomplishment he is proud of, and it would be, “Being selected to be a part of the Fresh 50 for New Balance’s Future Star Series,” he said.
The New Balance Future Star Series selected 50 of the best players from the Classes of 2029 and 2030, across the U.S. and Canada, to play in a three-game series that took place this past September in Connecticut. The players were split into two teams, white and gray, with 25 each. Tedesco was placed on Team White.
The game of baseball, Tedesco said, has taught him, “That discipline translates into success,” he said.
“See ball, hit ball,” is the best advice Tedesco claims anyone has ever given him.
Teammate Jax Van Valkenburg has made a big impression on him. “He helped break the ice and bring me into the team when I came to Claremore,” he said.
Tedesco is inspired by his dad, “for investing in me and pushing me to be my best,” he said.
Ken Griffey Jr., now retired, is Tedesco’s favorite professional baseball player and the one he models his performance after.
His favorite college and professional baseball teams are Vanderbilt and the New York Mets.
Outside of sports, Tedesco likes to play video games.
When it comes to his favorite teacher, the Zebra freshman looks back at his third-grade teacher, Terri Owens. “She was a good teacher, and she went above and beyond for my classmates and I.”
The best thing about representing his school as an athlete, Tedesco said, “As Claremore athletes, we make an effort to go to other games and support our classmates in different sports.
“I want to give a shoutout to my parents and siblings, along with Jake Russel, Huey Glad, Gunner Glad, Mark Roberts, and all of the sandlot coaches who have helped and believed in me over the years,” Tedesco said.
Follow Tedesco on Instagram @John_tedesco34
