(OP/ED) Alexander and Other Local Athletes' Best Days Are Ahead of Them

My long lasting memory of John Alexander, first baseman for the Glendora High School Tartans will not be of him standing at home plate getting ready to belt another home run in front of the home fans, or high-fiving his teammates after circling the bases on his way back to the dugout.

The memory that lingers in my mind most is after the Tartans were bounced out of the CIF-SS playoffs against Damien. Following the game, the mood was naturally subdued and the players seemed pensive and somber.

However, when I spoke to Alexander following the game that day, he was busy cleaning the base baths and re-arranging the playing field along with his teammates, a ritual after every home game, win or lose, and probably part of the discipline instilled by them by Glendora coach Dan Henley.

 Alexander said he was proud of the Tartans in their defense of last season’s CIF title, given people doubted they could even make the post-season after losing so many starters and transferring to the more competitive Baseline League from the Sierra. Glendora still won league and went deeper than most.

I recall Henley telling me that baseball is a game which sets you up to fail, and it’s important to learn how to cope with disappointment. Adversity builds character, but for Alexander, I think character was already in his genetic make-up. I could see it every time I conducted a post-game interview with him during the season, and I discerned it with every e-mail and phone communication. He’s a polite, humble, soft-spoken person, a rarity in the sports world now dominated by egos, flashy athletes and a lust for money.

Earlier this week I learned the good news that the 6-foot-6 first Alexander was rafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth round of Major League Baseball’s June Amateur Draft.

I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the honors, his stats certainly show he has the potential, (a .386 batting average, an .819 slugging percentage wit 27 runs batted in) but it’s probably a love for the game and the work ethic he displayed during his years as a Tartan that can propel him to achieve his dream of playing in the big leagues.

It has been a good spring covering sports for Patch. While writing my weekly column on prep area sports action I had the pleasure of not only seeing Alexander and his Tartans teammates make a run for the title, but also of partaking in many memorable sporting events throughout the region.

There was the St. Lucy’s softball team for example, a group of girls who had a rough start to their season but turned things around to also make the playoffs.

People may not remember any of the quotes given to me by coach Ryan Nuveman this season, but I will never forget how the team seemingly willed itself into the post-season with back to back wins over Claremont to close out the regular season.

I recall trying to interview Nuveman following the last game after pitcher Danielle O’Toole tossed another brilliant game, when unbeknownst to me, the girls snuck up behind him and showered him in Gatorade and ice. A truly precious moment.

I cracked a smile this morning as I drove past Citrus College down Barranca Avenue and read on the electronic marquee about the outstanding students of the year, including Ariel Marsh, a member of Citrus’ basketball team who I profiled earlier this year. Marsh, WSC player of the year was one of three players on the Citrus team which is moving on to the next level, her best days are probably ahead of her as a member of the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos.

 The Owls baseball squad finished 20-20 overall and 12-9 in conference, winning three out of their last five and made it into the CCCAA playoffs. The Owls’ softball team finished 23-15 overall and 14-4 in conference and also made the playoffs.

I hope the community will continue to support our area athletes and that they continue to come out to the games and athletic events, we have some real talent playing in the San Gabriel Valley and in the Foothills. As for John Alexander, I wish him the best of luck, whether he decides to play for UC Irvine, or postpone secondary education to join the Tampa Bay Rays in the minor leagues.