Never count guys like this out.
It’s the last line in the most recent New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series scouting report on left-handed pitcher Cameron Johnson.
It’s easy to see why.
Command of three pitches — feel for a curveball and changeup, plus a fastball that’s in the upper 80’s — and perhaps most importantly, plenty of projection left in him.
The Canadian-born southpaw earned his way to the Main Event, set for September 29-October 1, with an impressive showing at the National Combine in Nashville that made him a must-add. First seen at the TNXL/Canes Scout Day, Johnson has made a quick ascension with the FSS as he continues to be a name to watch moving forward.
“My experience with Future Stars has been completely positive,” he said. “The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, and they bring a good balance of leadership and intensity.”
Relying on instruction from a development staff that has seemingly countless years in the big leagues and pro ball as a whole, Johnson says he’s already seen improvement in his game, even since we saw him last in Nashville.
“Since the National Combine, I have been working on my overall game in terms of stuff, and trying to improve mechanical flaws,” he said. “The pitching coaches at Future stars come from impressive careers, and provide insight that has helped me become a better pitcher and person as a whole.”
Now, the Burlington, Ontario native is set to be able to show his progress on one of the biggest stages amateur baseball has to offer, as he’s tentatively scheduled to pitch in relief in Game 2 of Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader at Fenway Park.
“I’ve seen this event happen at Fenway my entire life, and some of my fondest memories come from watching numerous games being played there,” Johnson said. “I want to be able to showcase the best abilities I have, and truly show that I can be a standout type of player. It’s inevitable that you are going to have good and bad days, but I think its important to be true to yourself and be present in the moment at all times.
Since 2003, he has covered multiple World Series and has worked high-profile events ranging from the MLB All-Star Game to the World Baseball Classic. In addition to his role working for the Future Stars Series that he's held since 2017, Ashmore currently serves as the beat writer of the Double-A New York Yankees affiliate, the Somerset Patriots, as well as national hockey writer and New York Jets game day beat reporter for The Trentonian.
A regular contributor to Baseball America, Ashmore has worked seven Super Bowls, 11 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Frozen Four, Daytona 500, major UFC events and much more as he approaches 3,200 games covered in his career.
An avid card collector and sim racer, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son William, and their beloved dog, Bailey, and cat, Smokey.
