MVP
Johnson High School Senior Baseball Player Top
National Recruit
By Amy Morgan
It’s a rare privilege to be named Texas’ number one high school prospect in a sport. Despite graduating many elite athletes, the feat has never happened at Johnson High School in its 16-year existence. But this year, senior Kayson Cunningham broke the barrier when he achieved high school baseball’s top ranking, as well as fourth in the nation.
The U.T. commit can’t remember a time when he didn’t play the game, as he started T-ball at McAllister Park Little League as early as he was eligible. His father, Marco, coached him from the beginning, which didn’t just benefit Kayson. It’s not every Little Leaguer who gets to learn from a former major league player. The elder Cunningham played center field for the Kansas City Royals from 2000-2004.
By age 12, Kayson joined the Alamo Drillers select team and traveled to play against the best competition in the country. Although he was gifted with natural talent and skilled coaching, Kayson always worked hard to develop his game, he said.
The shortstop/second baseman has been a standout on the Jaguar field, with a batting average at .444, four home runs and 61 hits in the 2024 season, the most in Texas!
Last year his team advanced to the sixth round of the State tournament for only the second time in JHS history. It was Kayson’s home run in the third inning of game two against O’Connor in round five that gave the Jags the lead that sent them forward. “I’m super happy to be able to do it for him (longtime JHS coach Gordon Gesell), for the city and the Stone Oak area,” Kayson said. When asked if he kept the winning ball, he replied, “I’m pretty sure a kid has it.”
Kayson’s enjoying a slightly less busy schedule this fall coming off the summer tournament season. He considers making the USA National 18U team one of his biggest achievements. Kayson joined the final roster of 20 who played for two weeks in Panama, down from the group of 84 of the best young baseball players in the nation invited to try out for the team.
In Panama, Kayson contributed to Team USA’s gold medal win. He led the tourney in hits and RBIs and made good plays at shortstop. His performance was so outstanding he was named MVP of the entire tournament. Team USA played counterparts from Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. Squads from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic also participated. It’s safe to say Kayson was rubbing shoulders with players who’ll end up on U.S. college and pro fields in the near future.
Kayson makes up for his 5’9” stature with strong hitting power and smart play, modeling himself after N.Y. Mets player Francisco Lindor. “He’s a smaller guy who’s a really good hitter and plays with a lot of energy,” Kayson said.
He credits his parents with instilling a strong work ethic, as well as his Catholic faith. His close-knit family attends Holy Trinity together every Sunday. He’s thankful for the expertise brought by Coach Gesell, who marked his 40th year of coaching when Kayson was a freshman.
He also values the support from “his village,” including extended family on his mother’s side and childhood best friend, JHS catcher Masa Chilcutt. One reason Kayson chose to commit to the University of Texas was its proximity to home. He may have to forgo that convenience, because he’s also eligible for the Major League Baseball draft this spring. If Kayson is called up, he’ll be living the dream of so many young baseball players who hope for a shot at the big leagues. “If it happens, it happens. It’s all in God’s hands,” he said.
