From an early age, John R. Lopez III was captivated by the game of baseball. Growing up, he spent countless hours playing catch with his father and uncles, watching their games, and dreaming of one day stepping onto the field himself.

Lopez attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he played football in the absence of a baseball team. Though he briefly pursued a different path—signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a punter in the late 1960s—his love for baseball never wavered.

In a twist of fate, a chance encounter with Texas Rangers hitting coach Jackie Moore on a commercial flight in 1974 set the course for Lopez’s career in Major League Baseball. After impressing team manager Billy Martin, he was given the opportunity to try out as a practice pitcher. Despite having less than two weeks to prepare, Lopez’s skill and determination earned him the job—marking the beginning of a decades-long career in professional baseball.

Over the past 30 years, Lopez has served as a practice pitcher for several MLB teams, including the Texas Rangers, Oakland A’s, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres. His journey is chronicled in his book, Perfect Pitch, which details his experiences, perseverance, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

John R. Lopez III’s story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the unexpected opportunities that can change the course of a lifetime.