Wilstead has seen that firsthand for more than a decade.

"I remember him being like 6 (years-old) and saying, 'Randy, let's go play catch,' " Wilstead said. "It was obnoxious. But that's why he is where he is."

Wilstead was far from the only guy Littlewood pestered to play catch or hit grounders to him. Littlewood developed a passion for baseball — and to be a great player — at a very young age.

"I've always been around a high level of competition," Littlewood said. "I just grew up with a passion for the game. It's pretty much my life. I don't really have any hobbies or anything. It's just working out and baseball, I guess. And I'm fine with that. I love baseball."

Littlewood's love for the game has helped crowd his trophy collection. In addition to his Mr. Baseball award, Littlewood has twice been recognized as the Gatorade Utah Baseball Player of the Year, and he was a first-team all-state pick as a sophomore. Only one other player, Cottonwood's Tanner Robles, has won the state's prestigious Gatorade honor two times.

As a sophomore, Littlewood was ranked as the nation's top prospect in his class by Perfect Game. He has already committed to play for the University of San Diego when he graduates from Pine View, although playing pro ball out of high school may be a more likely scenario for Littlewood.

All the awards and accolades bring pressure and high expectations for a young standout like Littlewood. But he looks at them as a reason to try and get better.

"It's more of a motivational factor for me," Littlewood said. "As I succeed, it's more of a motivational factor for me because it proves I can get that much better."

That sheer drive is yet another reason why Littlewood is the state's top player. Wilstead said Littlewood is always the first one to practice and the last one to leave. He takes that work ethic to other aspects of his life, as he carries a 3.6 grade point average, and volunteers in his church and as a youth baseball coach.

"He doesn't tell anyone how great he is," Wilstead said. "He's twice the person that he is the ballplayer. I'm glad I get him for one for more year."

High school baseball enthusiasts should be just as grateful.

E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com