JPRD Spotlight
Johnny Giavotella
2001 and 2002
2008 2nd Round MLB Selection (44th
Overall)-Kansas City Royals
After a
13-year old World Series win for the Crescent City Cannons in 2000, Johnny
Giavotella opted out of travel ball to join the JPRD Bulldog’s 14-year old
roster in 2001. He led the JPRD 14’s to the Regional Championship Game in Bay
City, Texas, only to lose two in a row on the final day to Mississippi and miss
the World Series. His JPRD 15 year old summer campaign was short tracked by his
call-up as a freshman to start for the Jesuit varsity-legion based Retif Oil, who
fell to Reid Brignac's (starting shortstop for the Tampa Rays) St. Amant Gonzales
team in the Legion State Title Game. After leading the Jesuit Blue Jays to two
state prep championships and another prep state title appearance, “Johnny G" led
the underestimated UNO Privateers to victories over LSU and Tulane as well as
multiple NCAA regional appearances while being honored as the Sun Belt's“Most
Feared Hitter and the Sun Belt's pre-season player of the year before his
Junior year campaign. After signing with
the Kansas City Royals in 2008, he has progressed through the minor league ranks
quickly, accumulating multiple awards and setting pace this season to drive in
120 RBIs for the Royals Triple A affiliate, Omaha Storm Chasers. As a former
teammate of Johnny, his work ethic and dedication are impeccable. He was up early
in the morning at 6 am hitting balls off the tee, and smiling smugly at those
at lunch eating hamburgers and French fries while he threw down and apple and
grilled chicken sandwich. He will be getting to the Majors sooner than later,
guaranteed.