As a former catcher for the San Diego Padres, John played major and minor league baseball for 6 years, served as a hitting and catching Instructor for several club/training facilities, and has coached athletes in camp, high school, and community settings for the past 25 years.

HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL, 2000 – 2001: Assistant Head Coach

AMATEUR LEAGUE ST. PAUL SAINTS, 1995 – 2009

Catcher/Third Baseman/Field Coach - played 20 "town baseball" games per season, provided team coaching, and ranked as two-time All-Star Team Player.

SAN DIEGO PADRES, 1990 - 1995

Corpus Christi Barracudas, Texas Louisiana League, 1995

Cincinnati Reds, 1994 - ranked as a Rule Five Draft Player.

Wichita Wranglers, AA Texas League, 1993 - served as versatile utility player and pinch hitting specialist, hit nine home runs, fifteen doubles, and achieved .255 batting average.

Waterloo Diamonds, Midwest League, 1992 - played 100 games, hit 22 doubles, nine home runs, five triples, and maintained .255 batting average.

Mavericks, 1991 - trained under World Series Champion Manager, Mr. Bruce Bochy, ranked as star catcher on team that won 1991 California League Championship.

Scottsdale Padres, 1990 - played 40 games, hit 7 home runs, achieved .270 batting average, and qualified to play on the All Star Team.

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE, 1989 - 1990

San Jacinto Gators (Coach Wayne Graham) - played on a team that won two national championships and achieved 114 wins