By Ken Hansard
Wichita East High senior pitcher and outfielder JP Manrique is understandably excited for his senior season to begin. “I’m looking forward to balling out and playing the best baseball that I possibly can.”
The Aces finished their season last year at 6-15, losing in the first round of regional play. For his final go-around, Manrique would like to be the one to inspire his teammates to greater heights, “I’m one of the team captains, and one of my goals is to push my teammates to their limits and to play our very best.”
As for his own inspiration, Manrique credits his father for his love of baseball, and sports in general. “I grew to love baseball because of my dad. He introduced me to every sport I enjoy today. I am a big San Francisco Giants fan and would like to become a Giant someday. Watching them win the World Series in 2010, 2012, 2014 was amazing and had a big influence on me.”
Manrique worked hard in the off-season to improve his game. He hopes that an impressive summer, that saw him hit for a .500 batting average, will produce similar results this spring for the Aces, “I’ve worked on all of the mechanics this off season, everything from foot drills to swinging drills. During my free time, I go out and do some ladder drills and do a lot of dry swings and hitting off the tee.”
Manrique, who also competes for the Aces’ powerlifting team, is committed to Friends University to play baseball for the Falcons.
