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Johnson Makes His Mark on the Mound for Guilford Junior Legion

Although the Guilford Junior Legion baseball team endured some struggles this summer, Post 48 still saw a few bright spots and one of those was the play of Casey Johnson. Working as a starting pitcher, Casey turned in some brilliant performances and recorded two of the club’s four victories. Casey earned his first win on July 8, when he threw a complete game one-hitter in a 5-0 triumph versus Madison. One week later, Casey again went the distance as Guilford defeated East Haddam 5-1.

“He was our ace for the year,” says Head Coach Jon Reinecke. “He threw a gem at Madison under the lights, only giving up one hit. The location on his fastball was great and he kept it low all game. He also threw his curve and changeup early in the count for strikes. Against East Haddam, he threw 86 pitches in a dominating complete game where he pounded the zone all night. He was great versus Wallingford, who was one of the top teams in Zone 3, throwing five scoreless innings in a game we eventually lost, but he was very competitive.”

Casey, a 16-year-old left-hander, will be a junior at Guilford High School this fall. He hopes to keep his momentum going by pitching for the Indians’ varsity squad in 2017.

“I want to start for the varsity and compete at that level. I’d also like to pitch after high school if I can,” Casey says. “Being on the mound is a lot of fun and striking people out is a great feeling. Competing and playing with my friends is something I really enjoy and have done since I was six.”

Casey, who also plays center field, has four pitches that he uses effectively on the mound. Casey features a fastball, but he also likes to paint the corners by mixing in a changeup, plus two curveballs that he throws at different speeds.

“I approach the game looking to work outside. I like to hit the corner, then move inside with my fastball. The key is to get the hitters off-balance,” Casey says. “Legion baseball is different from high school because there is a lot more small ball because we use wood bats, as opposed to high school, where you have metal bats where you want to be more cautious and jam hitters. The main thing is to keep them off-balance and have them on their toes.”

During the offseason, Casey works with Guilford Indians’ Head Coach Brian Hayden, as well as a pitching coach in Fairfield, Mike Porzio, who’s also a southpaw. Casey’s extra work has paid off and those around him are taking notice.

“Casey is a great kid, a crafty lefty, and has a rubber arm. He always wants the ball in big games and in the big moments and I’ve watched him improve tremendously the past two years,” Coach Reinecke says. “He also has a great sense of humor, which keeps the clubhouse loose, and loves the game. He is enthusiastic, knows his role, whether he’s pitching or playing the outfield. He knows what he’s doing on the mound and it’s great to see the other pitchers coming to him for advice.”

When Casey isn’t firing fastballs or helping his fellow pitchers, he likes to pick his father’s brain for information on how to get better when toeing the rubber.

“My dad played baseball and pitched, so he showed me a lot growing up,” Casey says. “He helped me get better and motivated me really well.”

As he gets ready for the second half of his high school career, Casey thanks Coach Reinecke, Coach Hayden, and his U-14 coach Nick Hahn—each of whom have played a big role in helping to develop his game.

“I think I’m going to stick with pitching, but I’d like to keep playing center field and work on my hitting,” Casey says. “But the main goal is to work hard with my coaches and I hope to improve my pitching now and for the years to come.”