John West is a living testimony of what it means to be a man In Service to Others. His magnetic personality makes his contributions to the community even richer. Participating in the Stuff the Truck campaign this year, John helped the Boston College athletic department pack 4,245 Thanksgiving meal bags with Catholic Charities for families from vulnerable backgrounds.

West, also a proven advocate of inclusion, has played an integral role in fostering inclusive environments at Boston College, serving as a member of Team Impact, matching children facing serious illness and disability with college teams to create life-changing experiences. He actively ensures that their Team Impact teammate Miles is welcomed at practices, games, and events. Additionally, John has been active with the Brighton Main Street Business Trick or Treat, the Pete Frates Foundation, ALS Family Charitable Foundation, Boston College Youth Little League Day, and is the recipient of the Welles Crowther #19 award, given to the Boston College athlete who most embodies the motto men and women for others.

Serving as the men’s baseball representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), John has proven to be of unquestionable moral character and a leader for student-athletes at Boston College and nationwide, advocating for enhancing the student-athlete experience. This past fall, SAAC was able to log over seven hundred new donors through the Project Life Bone Marrow registration drive. John’s exemplary actions resulted in him being invited to the National Medal of Honor Learning and Education Center Luncheon, where he met and heard from former National Medal of Honor recipients, our country’s most prestigious award and a symbol of the pinnacle of leadership.

Team Captain and pitching ace on the field, John led the BC baseball team to its most successful season in school history. He made 17 appearances and was the team leader in opposing batting average (.208), runs allowed (35), hits allowed (52), and second on the team in ERA, innings pitched, strikeouts, and games started.

“At the age of thirteen, John was by his dad’s side as he battled ALS for four years. John lost his dad and committed to fighting the disease ALS. John’s unselfish and infectious personality make him a beacon of energy and positivity for anyone who meets him. He is the ultimate teammate and ultimate role model for serving others in all his circles. John stands for everything you want in a player, a student, and a citizen. We are lucky and very grateful to have John as part of our lives as we continue to fight against ALS.”

—The Frates Family

As Captain of the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team, John will be recognized during the team’s annual ALS Awareness Day during the upcoming season and will collaborate with Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation to support a family affected by ALS in the local community.