John was known as a great glove and a hard out at the plate. John started his career in 1972 in the West Akron Baseball league. He played 5 seasons and was a 3 time All-Star.

Beginning in high school , John started playing in the G.A.B.F. League. Their team won the state championship in 1981. In high school John earned All-City at shortstop. Senior year his team was regional runner-ups.

That summer he played in the “D” and “AA” leagues simultaneously. John played for 10 years in the “AA” League where he was a 2 time All-Star.