Joseph Leonard '19 Recruiting Profile

    My great grandfather was an exceptional athlete who played college baseball and football followed by a professional football career in the early 1940's.  On our visits when I was a young teenager,  Great-Grandpa saw something in me that reminded him of himself.  He taught me a great deal about having an excellent work ethic, being humble and taking my academics seriously.  Ever since I can remember, I had a passion for playing baseball.  As a third grader I was the only child in my town to move up to Little League Majors.  I have been a leader on the baseball field ever since.  I was named MVP for my Little League due to my leadership along with strong pitching and hitting.  Also, I won the Home Run title in Little League as well.  In 8th grade, I was named captain of my middle school baseball team and the starting pitcher.  I lead the team to an 18-0 season and a state championship.  I pitched a no hitter and allowed one run in the three playoff games I pitched, with no walks.  I have consistently batted 4th due to my power and OBP.  I have had an excellent history of performing well in pressure situations. As a freshman in high school, I started first with football, where I was the back up QB.  Then I made the varsity baseball team and was a starter playing first base, and doing some relief pitching.  As a sophomore, I was one of the captains of the football team as well as the starting QB.  I am entering my second season of varsity baseball and will be pitching more, as well as playing first base.  While sports are a passion for me, I realize the importance of my academics and why I need to take my studies very seriously.  This year I have a 3.2 GPA and have signed up for AP classes for my junior year.