SOUTH YARMOUTH, Mass. — It’s the style of play from Jon LeGrande (St. John’s) that had field manager Scott Landers dub him as a “spark plug” for his team.
It’s his motor, hunger, and enthusiasm that brings the spark to the lineup for Bourne — those same characteristics are what earned him a spot to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League, which is something he’s had his mind set on for a while now.
“It’s been really good. I love it,” LeGrande said. “It’s a great place to be in, especially when you’ve been thinking about it for a couple years now.”
His collegiate journey started off playing two seasons at Wabash Valley College, earning 2024 NJCAA All-American honors after the campaign. He then decided to search for greener pastures, staying in his home state of New York, transferring to St. John’s to play for the Red Storm.
It was a standout spring in 2025 for the Bronx native, he appeared in 52 games, boasting a .368 batting average with 61 hits, 48 RBIs, 33 stolen bases and 23 walks, earning himself a spot on the All-Big East First Team.
Now he’s away from the Big East, playing against elite-level competition across all collegiate conferences, but he’s not backing away from the challenge with the goal he’s set out for himself this summer.
“Biggest goal for me is to get drafted,” LeGrande said.
In a league that has players coming and going, paired with everyone trying to make a name for themselves, the outfielder has proven himself through three games. He’s flashed the leather in the outfield and has shown off the arm strength, which he said was important for him to display this summer as he chases MLB dreams.
He’s also been a consistent presence at the plate, as he’s started the past two games at the leadoff spot after the Opening Day matchup against the Harwich Mariners, where he batted sixth.
Through three games, LeGrande has netted a .462 batting average with his team-leading six hits. He also has three runs, two stolen bases, and an RBI.
Despite proving to be a jack-of-all-trades so far, he has one trait that stands out more than the others — his speed.
“It’s just God given to be honest. I've gotten a little faster from plyometrics and stuff like that, but most of it is God given,” LeGrande said. “I don't want to be passive. My biggest tool is my legs. And so why not show it off?”
There’s been a ton of production coming from him with his wheels, but there are still some kinks that need to be ironed out with them. At times, he’s been a scary sight for opposing squads on the base paths as he earns extra bases. He’s also been reckless, having been caught wandering off second against the Chatham Anglers on Sunday and being called out going for a triple against the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox on Monday.
“He’s made a couple aggressive mistakes,” Landers said. “We want to play aggressively, but we got to cut him down a little bit, but overall he's played great.”
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LeGrande has been an Energizer Bunny for the Braves during the early stages of the season. He brings the juice and passion for the game, dropping a “I can’t believe we f—ing tied” in the dugout after the 4-4 tie against Y-D with a stunned look on his face.
It’s been a hot start for him, and with big dreams to chase, LeGrande is ready to grab the opportunity presented to him by the horns, but take it all in at the same time.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time and being where my feet are,” LeGrande said.
Follow Lyle on X, @lalenstein. Feature photo by Isabel Swindall. Follow her on Instagram, @iswindall.jpg.
