Article, 2010 Season - Ohlone Renegades Men's Baseball
TCV Male Athlete of the Month, May 2010: Zach Johnson
May 2010—Reprinted from Tri-City Voice Sports.
Last year, his twin brother Jeff led the state in homeruns, along with helping lead the Ohlone baseball team to their first Coast Conference Pacific title in nearly two decades.
This year, it's Zach's turn.
San Ramon native Zach Johnson has done everything imaginable to lead the Renegades to its second consecutive playoff appearance. From batting a team high .417 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs, to flipping over dugout fences to catch a pop-fly in foul territory, he's become an crucial part of the Renegades success in these two seasons thus far.
TCV: Along with your brother, you took two years off baseball… how's it feel not just to be back at the game, but to be performing at such a high level?
ZJ: I'm very grateful to be given the opportunity to play baseball again, too be playing this good makes it all worth it.
TCV: What has attributed to your success?
ZJ: I've had to put in a lot of extra time either on the field, in the batting cage, and even the weight room.
TCV: Earlier in the month, you had a putout where you flipped over the visiting dugout's fence. What went through your mind through that play?
ZJ: When I realized I had a chance for the ball, I didn't have anything to lose except for make an attempt knowing if I missed it, it'd be a foul ball.
TCV: You lead the team in homers with 10+ this season. Last season, Jeff did it with 19. Did he give you any tips on your swing at all, or is there a little bit of a competition with that between you two?
ZJ: Jeff had a break out season last year and put up huge numbers. I was very proud of him and his success. We both try to help each other as much as possible.
TCV: If you didn't go back to baseball, where would you be and what would you be doing?
ZJ: I was just about to try and get into a fire academy before deciding to play baseball again, I hope by now I'd been a firefighter or close to one.
TCV: If you didn't play baseball, what sport would you be playing?
ZJ: Probably the only other sport I could play and be some what good at would be golf.
TCV: What have you learned, or gotten out of playing for Ohlone?
ZJ: I've learned a lot about character and discipline. It's help me mature and not take things for granted.
TCV: Any advice for the team next season?
ZJ: My only advice is to continue to work harder then everyone else and buy in to the team and your individual success will follow.
TCV: Favorite MLB team?
ZJ: Philadelphia Phillies
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