GAME ON: The Player - John Kalajian

GAME ON: The Player - John Kalajian

Q&A with John Kalajian, East Greenwich Baseball

How has your season been going?

The season has been going great. We have a very talented team along with a very talented division and so far we are 5-1. (Hopefully 9-1 by the end of this week). As for me, I have been making quality starts on the mound and am feeling very comfortable when throwing. Hopefully this continues throughout the whole season.

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What has been the biggest challenge being a high school athlete?

I think trying to balance family, school and friends is the biggest challenge for me as a high school athlete.

Who is your biggest motivator?

As far as a motivator, both my coach and pitching coach keep me wanting to do better. After a great inning or outing, they wont acknowledge the expected, only point out the areas that could use work. This keeps me striving for perfection.

Who is your biggest rival?

My biggest rival is myself, on and off the field. I always want to top myself the next outing or even inning of pitching.

What are you working to improve your game?

I am trying to fully develop a cutter right now as a 4th pitch. I think adding another pitch will help me greatly because I can use it when a different off speed pitch isn’t working at the time.

What is your greatest memory on the field?

My greatest memory on the field was probably a year ago when I called my own homerun in the on deck circle. I am not a homerun hitter and I never hit one prior to that.

How are you able to balance your schoolwork with practices, games, and training?

For me, I enjoy practicing and training in the evening, because that is when most games are played. During the off-season I train in the evening leaving time for homework at night and I continue this cycle year round.

Where do you see yourself going from here, do you plan to pursue this sport in college?

After high school, I plan on playing baseball at URI. Hopefully the high school year will end with a championship, which I am sure we are capable of doing.