- December 20, 2024
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Last season, West Orange High baseball’s Parker Hohnstock was a key member of the Warriors’ pitching staff, which led the team to a 17-9 record. As a junior, the right-handed pitcher threw 37.1 innings for the Warriors, striking out 50 batters — a team-high — while allowing 14 earned runs for an ERA of 2.62 and holding opposing batters to a .209 average.
Just looking at the numbers, anyone could tell that the St. Leo University baseball signee’s junior season was impressive, but when you consider the fact a doctor told Hohnstock there was a chance he would not be able to walk normally again (let alone play baseball) following a longboarding accident, the senior’s journey to this point is incredible.
Following surgery for a broken pelvis and detached hamstring in December 2021, Hohnstock faced a grueling recovery process that started with him in a leg brace, unable to walk for four months. This moment, though difficult, became pivotal in his journey. For the next nine to 10 months, Hohnstock dedicated himself fully to the recovery process. Nearly a year later, he was able to step onto the mound again and do what he loves: pitch.
Age: 17
Sport: Baseball
Grade: Senior
School: West Orange High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It is an honor to be named the Athletic of the Week … it means a lot. I feel very blessed, so thank you for the honor!
What do you like the most about baseball?
Dominating the competition and the adrenaline that it gives me.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing sports?
To achieve what you want, you must be disciplined and not take your time playing for granted; it can be taken away in a second.
What are you most excited about for your senior season?
I am looking forward to winning a district title for West Orange, and I’m excited about continuing my development to be the best pitcher I can be.
How does it feel to know you’re going to play college baseball next season?
It feels great! It is everything I have worked for the last few years. I have always dreamed as a kid of playing college baseball.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Mike Trout has been my favorite player since I started playing baseball as a kid.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Chicken, rice and two energy drinks.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Faneto” by Chief Keef.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? Why?
Knife, tent and a flare gun. The knife would be for finding food and protecting myself. The tent is for shelter, and the flare gun is so I can send out for help so I can be rescued.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be? Why?
My grandpa, PePaw. I miss him; he passed away a few months ago. I would tell him what I have been able to accomplish since he has been gone.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? Why?
Back when Jesus was alive, so I could experience my faith in real-time. It would be cool to be present when Jesus was a living person and experience it firsthand.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Work harder, definitely! Your dreams are closer than you think.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
In the end, did everything work out the way you wanted?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to grant wishes. You can do anything you desire with that superpower.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Greece, because of its beauty, the blue water and white houses. Italy for its food and culture. Maldives for the beauty of the water, and it’s a great vacation spot.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I would be a Hawk. I could fly around and get a bird’s eye view of the world.
What is your most controversial food take?
Canned tuna and relish are pretty good together.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Absolutely not!
