Not all high school athletes can say they’ve broken major records in their sport.  In the case of senior KJ Hockaday, however, it’s a different story.

At the first playoff game against Curley on May 13, Hockaday broke the MIAA homerun record with 30 home runs. The record was previously set by Mount Saint Joseph graduate Mark Teixeira who now starts at first base for the New York Yankees. Teixeira previously hit 29 homeruns in three years.

To this date, Hockaday has hit 30 home runs throughout his four year high school career. Two freshman year, 11 sophomore year, seven junior year, and 10 so far in his senior year.

“The accomplishment means a lot but to be mentioned in the same sentence as Mark is astonishing. He has such a class act that I look up to and he has been a role model to many kids in this area and hopefully I will be able to do the same in a few years,” Hockaday said.

Hockaday is “one of those student athletes who work hard at their sport. I like to see good things happen to those who work hard,” Athletic Director Larry Dukes said. “KJ being KJ is motivation alone. He is a team leader,” head coach Joe Stetka said.

Hockaday’s success is shared throughout the whole team. According to Stetka, their 15-4 record would not be possible without the strength of the team and their coaching.  “This year’s varsity baseball team has been special [and] they have worked very hard from the start ever since I have been at JC. This year’s team is very special to me,” Stetka said.

Hockaday doesn’t plan to stop there. The state record is 35 home runs set by Hammond High School’s Jason Maxey in 2001. “We will see how I do these next few games in catching his record too,” Hockaday said.

“KJ has a bright future in baseball. Whether he goes off to the University of Maryland in the fall, or is drafted later this summer, he will make it. Those kinds of players don’t come around often and when they do, like KJ, they are very special kids,” Stetka said.

Hayley Boyle is a reporter for “The Patriot.”