A right-handed pitcher/infielder John Harness was involved in amateur baseball in the Ballwin-Glencoe area of the St. Louis County League for 18 years, Harness was offered professional opportunities with the Browns and the Cardinals, but preferred to work and play weekend ball in St. Louis County. John was selected to three All Star National Division Teams of the St. Louis County Baseball Leagues. He was instrumental in the success of Ballwin-Glencoe County League Baseball.