Aaron Healy is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain View High School for AZPreps365.com

“It was a dream come true,” Ezra McNaughton said. 

McNaughton has committed to playing collegiate baseball at Brigham Young University, but he couldn’t get to this point without all of the effort he’s put in. 

“I consistently practice after practice, at home and I work out a lot,” McNaughton said.

“Ezra puts all his life into baseball. Most of the things he does is to get better for baseball. Whether it be working out everyday before practice or just eating well. He also has a cage at his house he constantly hits in,” teammate Willy Roberts said. 

Being focused from a young age, McNaughton has become dedicated to his sport. Observing this dedication helped coach Arzaga learn how special McNaughton is. 

“One thing that changed him was that drive to be really good.  Over the summer he decided to play with me and he was playing a little bit with his club team as well. He just got better physically and mentally he was just in check,” Arzaga said. 

McNaughton was born in Seattle, Washington and moved to Mesa shortly thereafter.  Growing up in Arizona the past 16 years is where he developed his love for baseball. 

When he was younger he had relatives to look up to that had played college baseball. 

“My dad and my uncle both played at BYU so that's always been a dream of mine to make it there,” McNaughton said. 

McNaughton started playing T-ball around the age of five. His work ethic and focus throughout the years has led him to be one of the top prospects for BYU. 

Arzaga believes McNaughton’s powerful bat is what has helped him get an offer.

“It’s not easy for a freshman to start or contribute at the Division one level, but I think his bat plays anywhere. He’s so good physically, mentally he’s really poised at the plate. For me to not have his bat in the lineup on a daily basis would chalk me,” Arzaga said. 

McNaughton’s contributions have led to a successful Toros season so far. He has plenty of memories hitting the long ball this year, but one that really stands out is from 2021. 

“Last year I hit a homerun at one of the minor league stadiums with our team to take the lead, so that was pretty cool,” McNaughton said. 

As a result of his big bat in the lineup, Arzaga can’t take him out of the game. 

“SInce his freshman year he’s been an offensive stone. A typical Mountain View power hitter, we always have at least one or two in the lineup every year. It’s awesome to see him hit BP because people look over here, younger kids look at him and are just like hey I want to be that kind of guy. When he leaves here everyones going to remember him as one of those dudes that could really hit the ball,” Arzaga said.  

“Ezra is leaving a footprint that shows that hard work pays off. Since freshman year, he just put his head down and worked his tail off to be where he is today,“ Roberts added. 

Roberts also believes that BYU is getting a special athlete that's an elite competitor. 

As McNaughton’s high school career comes to an end, he’s excited to break into the lineup at BYU in the fall of 2022.