Congrats on your new commitment! What is it about Black Hawk that excites you the most?
What excites me the most about Black Hawk is the coaching staff that I’ll be training with. Coach Chavera told me his goals with winning and how they focus on developing the players that come through Black Hawk with sending them to the next level.
You have been playing with Top Tier since you were 13 years old. Tell us about your experience and what it means to wear the TT’s.
My experience with Top Tier was what I hoped it would be. A lot of competition during the winter workouts, serious environment, and coaches that were willing to help me. Wearing the TT means discipline, respect, hard work, and family to me.
Share one of your favorite Top Tier memories.
One of my favorite Top Tier memories was the trip and playing in Fort Myers my 17u Fall season. That was the first time I flew on an airplane to go play baseball. That was a cool feeling. We played some serious ball there and then hung out on the beach.
Talk a little bit about the recruiting process and how everything went down.
The recruiting process for me was enjoyable. The coaches that I spoke with were friendly and made me feel comfortable during our conversations. For Black Hawk, Coach Chavera contacted me and explained what he was looking for in a catcher and said I fit that need. I went on the visit and really liked what Coach Chavera talked about with the studies and the baseball there. I knew that this was the school and program I wanted be with.
What were some of the priorities you looked at when deciding where you wanted to commit?
I wanted somewhere not too far from home. I also wanted to be around a coaching staff that could help get me to the next level.
What challenges do you see ahead of you before you get to campus?
I’d say getting bigger and stronger. I have always worked on improving my game and will continue to, but I am now working a lot more on gaining weight and lifting.
What are some of the goals you have set for yourself as a college baseball player?
My goals are to progress with my baseball development, help Black Hawk win and make the Junior College World Series Tournament while excelling at my studies.
If you could give one piece of advice to all of the younger players coming up, what would it be?
To always work very hard on and off the field and enjoy the game.
Is there anybody you would like to give a shout-out or thanks to?
I would like to thank my Dad for always being in my corner and working with me to improve my game for countless hours. I would like to thank my Mom and sister for their support and for pushing me to be a better person.Thank you to all of my Top Tier teammates over these years that have gone through this together with me and for making me want to compete even harder for them, especially for my pitchers. I’d like to thank Coach Seth for bringing me into Top Tier, Coach Todd for the opportunities to play for Top Tier each year, Coach Scooch and Coach Plante for working with me and the instruction, and Coach Griff for believing in me when I was injured the year I played for him that I’d be able to come back stronger than ever, which I did. I’d also like to thank Coach Sean McDermott for always helping me over the years and being a mentor for me.
2020 C Johnny Hernandez Commits to Black Hawk College
October 15, 2019