Sahuaro baseball and soccer • senior • 6-0
● The lowdown: McDonald has been one of Sahuaro's top hitters for the past couple of seasons. As the team's captain, the 18-year-old has been named to the 5A Southern Region team for the last two years. However, his athleticism extends beyond the baseball diamond. He also has played on the varsity soccer team since his freshmen year of high school, but baseball, he said, remains his favorite sport.
● This season's expectations: McDonald said that although his team's pitching will be one of the deciding factors for the Cougars this season, the real key to making a run for the state title will be decided at the plate. "We don't have as many hitters as we've had in the past . We're really young this year," he said. "It's going to be determined by whether we swing the bat (well)."
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● Toughest opponent: Catalina Foothills. But McDonald is not too concerned about playing the regional powerhouse. "Any team has a chance to beat anybody else on any given day," he said. "But everybody is shooting for (Foothills)."
● Pre-game ritual: McDonald's ritual is a little more intricate than taking a few extra swings before the game. He always cleans his spikes the night before a game, and then waits till just before game time to slip them on. But his routine is mild compared to that of some of his previous teammates. "We had a kid last year who wouldn't wash his pants," he said. "They were so dirty by the end of the season."
● How long have you been playing baseball? McDonald began honing his skills around the age of 2. "I've been playing since I could pick up a ball and throw it," he said.
● Welcome competition: McDonald was raised playing baseball in the shadow of his older brother Drew. The two had a chance to play on the same team for two years during Little League, and once again during Jason's sophomore year at Sahuaro. "I love playing beside him; it's comfortable," he said. "He pushes me to another level."
● Father knows best: Although he has learned a lot about the game from his coaches, he said the person who has taught him the most is his dad Kevin. "He's worked with me the most and taught me the most," said McDonald.
● Favorite major-league team: The St. Louis Cardinals. Being a Cards' fan stems from McDonald's roots. The slugger's parents grew up just outside of St. Louis and passed their love for the team onto their kids after moving to Tucson.
● The big letdown: McDonald said he is upset by the recent spree of controversy surrounding his beloved sport in regard to steroid use. He said it saddens him to see his heroes, like Mark McGwire, being suspected of using performance-boosting drugs. McDonald sees no excuse for steroids in baseball. "It's just flat out cheating," he said.
● Youth group: McDonald is an active member of his youth group at St. Francis De Sales. He said he enjoys helping with fund-raisers for the church and other community events. He has been attending the Sunday night youth group for the past four years.
● Favorite singer: Jason Mraz. "He's got his own vibe going," said McDonald. He saw the acoustic-pop rocker in concert last year, and he even got a chance to meet him, thanks to some friends with connections. "He's just kind of a loose, free-bird kind of guy," he said.
● Secret talent: McDonald has somewhat of a musical vibe himself. He can play the violin and took lessons for five years.
● After high school aspirations: He plans to play baseball while attending Pima Community College and possibly pursue a major in architecture. He said he is excited for what the future may hold. "I'm looking forward to the next level of school and sports," he said.
● Coach speak: "He's been the leader of my team. When we've got a close game, he's the guy you want stepping up to bat." —Sahuaro coach Mark Chandler.
