When John Gavin decides to compile a list of his accolades from his high school career, it is going to be pretty long. It includes accomplishments such as being drafted in the 39th round of the 2014 draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, winning the 2013 Central Coast Section Division I Championship, capturing three West Catholic Athletic League baseball titles.

One of the final items on the list will be his honor as the 2014 Prep2Prep Central Coast Section Player of the Year.

“It was breathtaking when I found out about it,” said Gavin. “Coming off of last year, I knew I had to step my game up with all the talent coming back in the WCAL and it’s nice to get acknowledged for that.”

After posting a 7-1 record in 45 innings pitched with a 0.93 ERA his sophomore year, John was in line to take over the number two starting role his junior year, and he rose to the task. Pitching behind now Boston College pitcher Michael Strem, Gavin struck out 90 hitters over 76 innings en route to an 11-2 record, and was made a MaxPreps Underclass All-American.

John continued to pitch well in 2014, striking out a clean 100 batters over 78.2 innings with an 8-1 record, a perfect senior season for the Cal State Fullerton-bound southpaw.

Gavin gives credit to a lot of people for his success: his teammates, his coaches, and the entire St. Francis family, but puts his own family on a whole other level.

“To put them in a whole other category would be my mom, dad, and brother. The support they have given me, and I’m just really thankful for them. Without them there is no chance I could get this award.”

He also gave a shout out to his catcher, Oregon-bound Tim Susnara.

“Timmy, Timmy behind the plate, every day. Even during our last few games, he had to call the game, and he just did a really great job,” added Gavin.

Gavin also said favorite memory during his time at St. Francis was capturing the CCS title last season with a 10-0 win over WCAL rival Serra. Gavin threw six innings of one hit baseball and struck out eight in that game.

“The feeling the team got when all our hard work had paid off and we truly were champions was a feeling like no other,” said Gavin.

Looking ahead to next spring, Gavin will be joining the historic program at Cal State Fullerton, which has never had a losing season in 35 years of Division I play, and has captured four National Championships (1979, 1984, 1995, 2004). Notable graduates of the program include former Oakland Athletics Mark Kotsay and Kurt Suzuki, and former San Francisco Giant Aaron Rowand.

“I’m really excited. It should be a really great experience,” Gavin said. “The Fullerton coaches have a long tradition of success and they know what to do to get you to be at your best ability.”

John’s favorite Major League Baseball team is the San Francisco Giants, and with the success he has had, his chances of playing for them are even greater.

Also considered: Kris Bubic, Archbishop Mitty; Chris Clements, Pacific Grove; Brad Degnan, Woodside; Josh Nashed, Leland.

BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE-Mount Hamilton Division
Player of the Year: Josh Nashed, Leland
Senior of the Year: Paul Hall, Leigh
Junior of the Year: Brendt Citta, Leland
Sophomore of the Year: Arman Sabouri, Branham

BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE-Santa Teresa Division
Player of the Year: Jeider Rincon, Overfelt
Senior of the Year: Kyle Quadros, Live Oak
Junior of the Year: Jacob Pangelina, Piedmont Hills
Sophomore of the Year: Riki Desa, Prospect

BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE-West Valley Division
Player of the Year: Robert Zamora, Lincoln
Senior of the Year: Nick Castillo-Chavez, Independence
Junior of the Year: Miguel Cazares, Oak Grove
Sophomore of the Year: Jake Spencer, Gunderson

MONTEREY BAY LEAGUE-Gabilan Division
Player of the Year: Hunter Haworth, San Benito
Senior of the Year: Dylan Yamasaki, San Benito
Junior of the Year: Zachry Moeller, San Benito
Sophomore of the Year: Matt Smith, Palma

MONTEREY BAY LEAGUE-Pacific Division
Player of the Year: Joseph Gutierrez, North Salinas
Senior of the Year: Chris Olivares, Seaside
Junior of the Year: Chris Rivera, Watsonville
Sophomore of the Year: Brock Bueno, North Monterey County

MISSION TRAIL ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: Daniel Farfan, Soledad
Senior of the Year: Chris Clements, Pacific Grove
Junior of the Year: Andres Enriquez, Carmel
Sophomore of the Year: Carter Hayes, Carmel

PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE-Bay Division
Player of the Year: Kyle Barret, Carlmont
Senior of the Year: Jacob Martinez, Terra Nova
Junior of the Year: Macklan Badger, Menlo School
Sophomore of the Year: Jared Milch, Terra Nova

PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE-Ocean Division
Player of the Year: Kyle Cambron, Sequoia
Senior of the Year: Rory McDaid, Capuchino
Junior of the Year: Ro Mahanty, Hillsdale
Sophomore of the Year: Parker Andrews, The King's Academy

PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE-Lake Division
Player of the Year: Dylan Dryer, Pinewood
Senior of the Year: Jesus Jimenez, South San Francisco
Junior of the Year: Ryan Fujinaga, San Mateo
Sophomore of the Year: Sergio Noriega, San Mateo

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: Jordan Peabody, San Lorenzo Valley
Senior of the Year: Austin Turnell, Soquel
Junior of the Year: Troy Miller, Soquel
Sophomore of the Year: Jack Palmer, Scotts Valley

SANTA CLARA VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE-De Anza Division
Player of the Year: Andrew Najeeb-Brush, Wilcox
Senior of the Year: Drew Strotman, Homestead
Junior of the Year: Matt Wilcox, Los Gatos
Sophomore of the Year: Bobby Wood, Homestead

SANTA CLARA VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE-El Camino Division
Player of the Year: Ronnie Reed, Milpitas
Senior of the Year: Brandon Dietzman, Milpitas
Junior of the Year: Sam Nastari, Monta Vista
Sophomore of the Year: Surya Kumaraguru, Monta Vista

WEST CATHOLIC ATHLETIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: John Gavin, St. Francis
Senior of the Year: Luke Rasmussen, Archbishop Mitty
Junior of the Year: Kris Bubic, Archbishop Mitty
Sophomore of the Year: Angelo Bortolin, Serra

NOTE: We would like to thank our readers for all of the nominations you sent in for the season-ending CCS baseball awards. It is a daunting task to narrow down our selections to just the top few as we recognize there are lots of great players who make contributions on the diamond that are not necessarily well-documented but mean a great deal to the success of their teams. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS baseball.