In this month’s blog, we celebrate legendary Monterey High School baseball coach John
Looper.
Batter up!
A quarter of a century.
25 years spent dominating a sport in your hometown.
The John Looper story.
From his days as a player to the 719 games he’s coached, John has carried himself with class, kindness, and dedication to his city and the game he loves.
Of those 719 opportunities, he’s claimed victory an incredible 444 times (a 62% winning percentage!)
Among these are 13 District Championships, and a period of district play that included a staggering 43-1 stretch (the lone loss coming in extra innings).
Under his control, Monterey Baseball has produced multiple all-state players, become a feeder program for collegiate prospects, and established itself as one of the most consistent programs in the state.
But, beyond wins, losses, and accolades, Monterey Baseball has been and continues to be a family.
John’s late mother Theresa was a staple of baseball in the UC (I myself suffered a few batting average points because of her meticulous bookkeeping).
John’s wife LeAnn is glued to the ballpark from opening night to season end each year.
And, within the dugout, the bond between player and coach is strong, honest, and lasting.
When you play for John Looper, you’re forever part of his life.
I was a shortstop/outfielder for MHS from 2006-2010. I loved every minute of it.
John made the sport fun, and, as he does in the classroom as a SPED (special education) teacher, he poured into each of us way more than batting stances and cut off throw technique. He loved us. We never had to doubt it.
He wanted us to become good people more than to win on the diamond (and he REALLY
wanted to win).
This article was so easy for me to write because I meant every word. John is now a friend.
I’m 36 years old and the gap in our age seems so small at this point.
But, no matter the stage of life we both find ourselves in, John Looper will always be
“Coach.”
Thanks for making Monterey Baseball and this city much stronger, happier, and connected, Loop.
We all love you
