Most people know Noah Niznik as the left-handed pitcher throwing strikes for the Savannah Bananas. You've seen the clips—the dancing, the yellow jerseys, the high-energy "Banana Ball" that has taken over social media. But before the sold-out stadium tours and the viral TikTok moments, there was a skinny kid in Missouri just trying to prove he belonged on a varsity mound.
If you want to understand how he got there, you have to look at Noah Niznik high school years. It wasn't just about flashy plays. It was about a specific brand of St. Louis baseball grit.
Where did Noah Niznik go to high school?
Noah Niznik attended St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. For locals, it’s just "Vianney." It’s a place known for churning out serious athletes, especially on the diamond.
He graduated in 2018. If you look at that 2018 roster, it was basically a "who's who" of Missouri talent. We're talking about a team that didn't just play; they dominated. Niznik wasn't just a body on the bench, either. He was a cornerstone of a rotation that eventually led the Golden Griffins to a Missouri Class 5 State Championship.
Think about that for a second. Winning a state title in Missouri’s highest class is no small feat. It requires more than just a good fastball. It requires a mental toughness that most teenagers haven't developed yet.
The Stats: Breaking Down the Vianney Years
Noah’s high school career wasn't a fluke. The numbers back it up.
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In his junior year, he went 8-1. That’s a win percentage that most coaches would trade their left arm for. He posted a 0.92 ERA. Honestly, that's almost absurd. He gave up fewer than one earned run for every seven innings he pitched. He also struck out 67 batters while only walking nine.
Control. That was his thing.
By his senior year, he didn't slow down. He went 7-0, remaining undefeated on the season. He finished that final high school chapter with a 2.32 ERA and 58 strikeouts. While the ERA "climbed" compared to his junior year, he was often facing the toughest lineups in the state.
Key Highlights from the Mound:
- State Champion (2018): Played a pivotal role in Vianney’s Class 5 title run.
- Undefeated Senior Season: He simply didn't know how to lose in 2018.
- Two-Time All-Conference: Earned Second-Team honors in both his junior and senior years.
- Efficient Delivery: Scouts at the time noted his "repeatable delivery" and "high three-quarters arm slot."
More Than Just a Pitcher?
While baseball was clearly his path, Niznik was a versatile athlete. You might find old clips of him on the basketball court, too. In fact, he was part of a Vianney basketball team that took third place in the Missouri Class 5 state tournament during his junior year.
He was a winner across the board.
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There's this weird thing in high school sports where some kids are just "gamers." They might not be the 6'5" giants with 100-mph fastballs, but they find a way to win. At 5'11", Niznik was never the biggest guy on the field. He had to rely on "finesse," a word scouts use when they mean a pitcher is smarter than the hitter.
The Transition to SEMO and Beyond
After Vianney, the road led to Cape Girardeau. He committed to Southeast Missouri State (SEMO).
His high school success translated almost immediately to the college level. As a freshman at SEMO, he led the team with a 3.63 ERA. He became a staple of the Redhawks' rotation for five seasons, eventually finishing his college career with 226 strikeouts.
But it all started at that North Athletic Complex at Vianney.
It’s funny to think about now. The guy who now pitches in front of thousands of screaming fans in "Bananaland" used to be the kid in Kirkwood just trying to hit his spots against local rivals like Chaminade or De Smet.
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Why the High School Years Matter Now
When you watch Noah Niznik today, you see a guy who is comfortable in his own skin. He’s goofy. He dances. He interacts with the crowd.
That confidence didn't come from nowhere. It came from being a "big game" pitcher in high school. When you’ve pitched in a state championship game, a little choreographed dance in the middle of an inning doesn't seem that scary.
People often ask if the Savannah Bananas are "real" baseball. If you look at Niznik’s pedigree, the answer is a resounding yes. You don't put up those kinds of numbers at Vianney or SEMO if you aren't the real deal.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Pitchers:
- Focus on Command: Niznik’s high school success was built on a high strike percentage and low walk rates. Don't worry about velocity until you can hit your spots.
- Be a Multi-Sport Athlete: His time on the basketball court helped his athleticism on the mound. Don't specialize too early.
- Handle Adversity: Even with a 0.92 ERA, there were tough games. Learning to "pitch through" trouble in high school is what gets you to the pros.
- Study the Game: Niznik was known for being an "efficient" pitcher. Understand the hitters and play to your strengths.
The journey from a St. Louis high school diamond to the bright lights of the Savannah Bananas tour is a reminder that the "traditional" path isn't the only one. But you still need that solid foundation. For Noah Niznik, that foundation was built at Vianney.