Sky's the limit for McQuaid's Johnson
August 19, 2016
By PAUL GOTHAM
New York Staff
At first glance, Erik Johnson’s numbers suggest gas. Forty-seven strike outs in 41.1 innings might lead one to think Johnson overpowered batters during his sophomore season with the McQuaid Jesuit Knights.
Closer inspection reveals a crafty southpaw who handcuffs opposing hitters with an impressive combination of pitches.
“His curveball was always very good,” said McQuaid assistant coach Dusty Odenbach recalling Johnson’s work in pre-season practices. “Then he started to develop his slider and the combination is pretty deadly at the high school level.”
Add to that a two-seam fastball, and it’s easy to understand how Johnson led McQuaid with a 7-0 record.