Caleb Johnson Setting the Tone as Bunn Baseball Stays Locked In

BUNN – When Caleb Johnson stepped onto the field as a freshman, it didn’t take long for people to notice his talent. Now a junior, the 6’1” outfielder and first baseman has solidified himself as one of the premier players in 2A baseball, helping lead Bunn High School to a perfect 8-0 start (4-0 Big East 2A/3A) this season.

Year-by-Year Growth

Johnson’s journey has been marked by consistent improvement and an unwavering work ethic. As a freshman, he was a bright spot for a struggling Bunn team that finished 7-15. In 21 games, he batted an impressive .507 with 23 runs, 34 hits, 16 RBIs, 11 doubles, and three home runs. Despite the team’s struggles, Johnson showcased his potential and set the foundation for future success.

His sophomore season saw the Wildcats make a significant leap, finishing 17-8 overall and 10-2 in conference play, securing a first-place finish in the Big East 2A/3A. Johnson led the team in batting average (.412), collecting 18 runs, 33 hits, 13 RBIs, six doubles, a triple, and three home runs.

“I felt like my freshman year was about proving that I could play at this level,” Johnson said. “Sophomore year, I had to adjust because pitchers weren’t throwing me as many fastballs. It was definitely a learning year, but I got better because of it.”

The Wildcats made it to the third round of the 2A East playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Greene Central. One of the biggest challenges in that game was facing Austin Hardy, the 2024 2A Pitcher of the Year and an All-State selection.

“Man, that was a big challenge,” Johnson said. “I was pumped for that matchup. I wanted to get a hit off him, and I did. But he was everything people said he was—his stuff was nasty, and he knew how to pitch. Seeing that level of pitching just made me better.”

Johnson believes that experience helped prepare the team for a deeper run this year.

“Playing against the state champs, seeing the level of competition it takes to win at that stage—it was an eye-opener for all of us,” Johnson said. “We had a young team, and we competed with them. That gave us motivation coming into this season.”

Offseason Preparation

Johnson wasn’t going to let his sophomore season go to waste—he dedicated his offseason to getting stronger, faster, and more prepared for the increased competition. He developed his own strength and conditioning plan, focusing on weightlifting five to six days a week while incorporating plyometric workouts to improve his speed and agility.

“I had to get better in every aspect,” Johnson said. “I worked on my lower half a lot—getting stronger and faster. There’s a place called D-Bat in Wake Forest where I was training indoors, hitting off live pitching and working with machines when it was too cold to hit outside.”

A major influence in his training was his neighbor, a former powerlifter, who helped guide his workouts and keep his focus on athletic development rather than just adding bulk.

“He always told me, ‘You’re training to be an athlete, not a bodybuilder,’ and that stuck with me,” Johnson said. “I’ve put on 15 pounds of muscle, but I feel lighter on my feet. I can already see the difference on the field.”

That hard work has already paid off. Johnson came into the season stronger and more confident, and his performance so far reflects it.

Big Win Over South Central Fuels Confidence

Bunn’s hot start in 2025 has been fueled by a signature early-season victory over South Central, a team ranked No. 19 in North Carolina.

“They probably looked at us as just a small 2A school,” Johnson said. “But we came out and put it to them. That game was a huge confidence boost for us because we saw that we could compete with anybody.”

Bunn set the tone early in that game, putting up six runs in the first few innings. Johnson played a key role, delivering a clutch hit and making plays in the outfield. The Wildcats never let up and secured a dominant win that sent a message to the rest of the state.

“That was a game where we all felt like, ‘Okay, this is our year,’” Johnson added. “We’ve got the talent, and we’ve got the mindset to do something special.”

Dominating the Competition

The Wildcats have carried that momentum into their 8-0 start, collecting wins over East Wake, Fike, South Central, Northern Nash (twice), Southern Nash (twice), and Vance Charter. Their hot start has them ranked No. 1 in the Trey Scott Sports 2A East Top 10 and No. 3 in the state RPI rankings for 2A East.

A major factor in their success has been the continued excellence of Johnson. Through eight games, he’s hitting .520 with a .625 on-base percentage, three doubles, and a home run. His career numbers reflect his consistency: a .465 batting average, 80 hits, 20 doubles, and seven home runs in 54 games played.

“I worked hard this offseason to get stronger and improve my speed,” Johnson said. “I’ve been lifting five to six days a week, working on my lower half, and hitting in the cage as much as I can. I feel like it’s paying off.”

That extra work in the offseason wasn’t just about improving his numbers—it was about setting the tone for his teammates.

“I want to lead by example,” Johnson said. “I push myself, and I hope that pushes my teammates, too. I want us all to get better, because we have the talent to win big games.”

Key Players Stepping Up

One of those teammates who has stepped up is sophomore left-handed pitcher Dylan Mitchell, who has been a key piece of the Wildcats’ success.

“Dylan’s got some nasty stuff,” Johnson said. “His velocity is up, and he’s really commanding the zone well this year. He’s going to be a huge piece for us.”

Junior left-hander Jared Hagwood has also made a big impact on the mound.

“Jared is a guy who can pitch at any level—he’s up to 85 mph and just works hard,” Johnson said. “When he’s on, he’s tough to hit.”

Bunn’s offense has also been fueled by players like Keagan Price, who has been a reliable bat in the lineup, and Elijah Pittman, the lone senior on the roster, whose leadership has helped guide the team.

“With only one senior, we’ve got a lot of guys stepping up,” Johnson said. “We know we have to play for each other.”

Coaching and Leadership

Head coach Patrick Warren and assistant coach John Rappold have played a crucial role in Bunn’s resurgence, helping to develop a group that now believes they can compete with anyone.

“They believe in us, and they push us,” Johnson said. “They know we have the talent to win, and they hold us to that standard every day.”

Beyond the numbers, Johnson brings a mindset and leadership that elevates the Wildcats. He credits his success to his Dad throwing him BP to him every single day.

"I am thankful for him so much" Johnson said. "There is no way I would be the player I today without him"

Caleb also sets much of his success to his faith and wants to use his platform to inspire others.

“Everything I do is through Christ,” Johnson said. “Every time I step on the field, it’s to glorify Him. If I can lead someone to Christ through baseball, that’s bigger than any hit or home run I’ll ever have.”

With Johnson leading the way, Bunn has all the pieces in place for another special season. One game at a time, they’re proving they belong among North Carolina’s best.

“We’re not satisfied yet,” Johnson said. “We’re going to keep working, keep grinding, and take it as far as we can go.”