Moeller High School’s Zion Theophilus making waves as top MLB pitching prospect

At six years old, Zion Theophilus first picked up a baseball. His first couple years on the diamond were not the best. He says he lacked confidence and was the worst player on the team. Theophilus barely got any playing time.While he was already struggling, Theophilus suffered an unimaginable loss. His mother died of cancer with Zion was just nine years old.”It was like a stab in the heart,” Theophilus said.With an unfillable void in his life, Zion searched for ways to cope. The thing that brought him the most joy was baseball.“This sport helped me take my mind off of other things like what was going on at home, how we were going to get through it,” Theophilus said. “I think baseball really lifted me up at a time I needed it.”Through all of the hardship baseball was there for Theophilus. He played it constantly. Quickly, the worst player on the team turned into the best.“My dad sat me down and was like, ‘is this something you really want to do?'” Theophilus said. “I said, ‘yeah, I want to play baseball, I really like it.’”So, with his dad’s and sister’s support, Zion went to work.Theophilus is now one of the best pitchers in the entire country. He is Moeller baseball’s ace, helping the Crusaders win their fourth consecutive district title. He’s the reigning Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, he threw a no-hitter this season, and he’s one of the top high school prospects in this year’s MLB Draft.“He’s so into his craft, loving the game of baseball,” Moeller Baseball Head Coach Tim Held said. “He knows what he’s doing on the mound. He’s got a high baseball IQ.”Theophilus is still etching his name all over the Moeller record books. That’s not an easy task considering the Crusaders have one of the most storied programs in the state of Ohio.Zion is succeeding even with immense pressure. Every time he steps on the mound, countless college and professional scouts come out to watch.“Winning those one vs. one situations is what I love,” Theophilus said. “It’s me versus you. Either you’re going to win or I am, and most of the time, I’d like to say that I do.”Theophilus is committed to play at LSU next year, if he isn’t drafted straight out of high school. Those are two pretty good options for the former worst player on the team.“I’m really excited.” Theophilus said. “Whether I get drafted or go to LSU, it’s a win-win. So, I’m trying to take all the pressure off and just play baseball one day at a time.”Theophilus is also trying to lead Moeller Baseball to its tenth state championship in program history. The Crusaders are currently the top ranked team in Ohio and the favorite to win the Division I title.

CINCINNATI —

At six years old, Zion Theophilus first picked up a baseball. His first couple years on the diamond were not the best. He says he lacked confidence and was the worst player on the team. Theophilus barely got any playing time.

While he was already struggling, Theophilus suffered an unimaginable loss. His mother died of cancer with Zion was just nine years old.

“It was like a stab in the heart,” Theophilus said.

With an unfillable void in his life, Zion searched for ways to cope. The thing that brought him the most joy was baseball.

“This sport helped me take my mind off of other things like what was going on at home, how we were going to get through it,” Theophilus said. “I think baseball really lifted me up at a time I needed it.”

Through all of the hardship baseball was there for Theophilus. He played it constantly. Quickly, the worst player on the team turned into the best.

“My dad sat me down and was like, ‘is this something you really want to do?'” Theophilus said. “I said, ‘yeah, I want to play baseball, I really like it.’”

So, with his dad’s and sister’s support, Zion went to work.

Theophilus is now one of the best pitchers in the entire country. He is Moeller baseball’s ace, helping the Crusaders win their fourth consecutive district title. He’s the reigning Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, he threw a no-hitter this season, and he’s one of the top high school prospects in this year’s MLB Draft.

“He’s so into his craft, loving the game of baseball,” Moeller Baseball Head Coach Tim Held said. “He knows what he’s doing on the mound. He’s got a high baseball IQ.”

Theophilus is still etching his name all over the Moeller record books. That’s not an easy task considering the Crusaders have one of the most storied programs in the state of Ohio.

Zion is succeeding even with immense pressure. Every time he steps on the mound, countless college and professional scouts come out to watch.

“Winning those one vs. one situations is what I love,” Theophilus said. “It’s me versus you. Either you’re going to win or I am, and most of the time, I’d like to say that I do.”

Theophilus is committed to play at LSU next year, if he isn’t drafted straight out of high school. Those are two pretty good options for the former worst player on the team.

“I’m really excited.” Theophilus said. “Whether I get drafted or go to LSU, it’s a win-win. So, I’m trying to take all the pressure off and just play baseball one day at a time.”

Theophilus is also trying to lead Moeller Baseball to its tenth state championship in program history. The Crusaders are currently the top ranked team in Ohio and the favorite to win the Division I title.