John Harper

Pitching Coach

John Harper begins his 4th season as the pitching coach for Challenger Baseball in 2023. Harper graduated from Saint Thomas Academy in 2014. He pitched one season at the University of Saint Thomas, before transferring to play club baseball at the University of Southern California. Harper served as the STA 15U assistant coach for three seasons between 2016-2019, and became the JV assistant coach in 2021. Harper also coaches for Great Lakes Baseball Academy in Woodbury, Minn.

In 2020, Challenger pitchers combined for a 3.78 ERA, 208 K, and a .249 opponent batting average over 266 innings. In 2021, Challenger pitchers combined for a 3.40 ERA, 144 K, and 105 BB over 203.2 innings.

Harper oversees the entire Challenger pitching staff, including an arm care program and mental training.