John Andrade

• Post by: mcalibrary
• January 3, 2024
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INDUCTEE

John was a two sport star at Mount Carmel Area High School from 1976 until his graduation in 1980. As a three year letterman under coaches Paul Bartko and Ken Kline at that time, Andrade established school records with 16 assists in a game, 187 in a season and 408 in a career. His ability to distribute the “rock” is evidenced by the fact that no less than 4 teammates scored more than 1000 points during careers with Johnny at the point. The 27 wins during his senior season, where he also serves as captain, are the most ever by a Tornado Five.

As a second baseman for Coach Ed Kaczmarek, “Pistol” was a four-year starter and two-time captain. As a sophomore, he had the game winning hit in the Schuylkill League Championship game against St. Clair. In his final two seasons, he was named the Schuylkill League’s all star second baseman after winning the batting title as a junior.

His baseball career continued at the collegiate level at Towson University under former major league player, coach and manager Billy Hunter. John established school records for base hits, runs scored for the most hits, runs scored, walks, triples and most home runs in one game. During summers, John played for the Scranton Red Soxx of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. In 1981, as Andrade was reunited with former high school infield partner Bob Zavarick, he established a new league record for the most hits in a season.

Following his junior season at Townson, Pistol was signed by the Texas Rangers. His minor league career lasted two years with stops in Sarasota, Florida and Burlington, IA, until a serious injury ended his playing days.

John has since served as an assistant baseball coach at both Townson and the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a former PIAA umpire and basketball official. He has also established a niche in coaching girls basketball and currently is an assistant for the Shamrocks of Trinity High School in Camp Hill.

Andrade has become a golf fanatic and carries a single digit handicap. His love of sports is shared by his wife Betty Lou who, along with John, are both member of the Townson University Athletic Hall of Fame. Coincidental or not? Betty Lou was also a point guard! The Abdrades reside in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.