Legendary Texas high school pitcher Jon Peters was a Sports Illustrated cover boy, but his pro opportunities fell short, leading to two decades of anguish
If you saw mild-mannered Jon Peters today, you probably wouldn’t be able to guess his secret identity. Once considered a hurling hero in the late 1980s, he was known and celebrated widely as ‘Superkid’. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long before the seemingly invincible star ran into his Kryptonite.
Born in Brenham, Texas, Peters became a statewide legend because he seemed almost untouchable on a baseball mound. Tall, strong, and remarkably poised for a teenager, he threw faster than a speeding bullet, thwarting hitters fearlessly and carrying himself with the confidence of a seasoned professional. What truly made him “super,” however, was the staggering streak that followed him through high school baseball.
The cover of the May 8th, 1989, issue of Sports Illustrated featured a story that captured the nation’s attention. Notably featuring the first high school athlete to get the glossy front of the sports media giant, the magazine dubbed Texas High School pitching phenom Jon Peters. ‘Superkid’. At the time, it was a major honor, and the moniker seemed fitting. But in time, the name would hang like a black cloud over the youngster’s head… along with the massive expectations that came along with it.
Pitching for Brenham (TX) High School, about halfway between Houston and Austin, Peters reeled off a mind-blowing 53 consecutive victories without ever losing a game as a starter. The winning streak originally started as the talk of Texas baseball, but soon began growing into a regional and national story.
Spectators, sportswriters, and scouts began flocking to the games he started, hoping to see the next Lone Star State flamethrower. In fact, he was often considered the next to carry on the Texas tradition set by Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. That’s when Sports Illustrated came calling about the cover story, labeling him Superkid, and turning him into an overnight icon.
However, arm injuries would hinder Peters’ career throughout high school and both Texas and A & M. And while he never fulfilled his promise, he was able to fill the gaps of his life with depression, addiction, and regret. After finally pulling himself out of the shadows, everything came full circle for Superkid. Much like a caped crusader in a movie, Peters was about to make a comeback. However, his was in life, instead of on the silver screen.
Eventually, Peters penned his memoir, “When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs: Finding Happiness in Life’s Changeups” in 2018 and has since spent years working as a coach at the collegiate level and mentoring young players. He frequently recounts his own journey as a high school phenom who was punished by his own potential.
Peters’ story is the first part, acting as the cautionary tale, and the second becomes a storybook ending. Even to this day, he remains one of the most unforgettable high school players ever produced by Texas. The name, Superkid, still represents an intoxicating mix of talent and hype that had everyone who ever saw him pitch holding out for the hero he could’ve been.
