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Local Sports

Local sports in the Panhandle are not just a game, they are a lifestyle. Our community eats, sleeps and breathes cheering on our local athletes.
News13 is On Your “Sidelines” bringing you more than the score.
News13’s Stephen Gunter is committed to giving you stories of the Panhandle’s top athletes, intriguing match-ups and unusual sports you may not even know exist.
sgunter@wmbb.com

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Lynn Haven’s Boy of Summer

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - While many 17-year-olds take summer jobs at McDonald’s, former Mosley High School baseball player Cody Johnson signed a minor league contract with a signing bonus estimated over $1.3 million.

It’s not out with the Mosley green and orange and in with the Braves navy and red.  Johnson plays for the Rookie Gulf Coast League Braves at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

“This is whole different brand of baseball,” Johnson said.  “High school is still amateur baseball and it’s more about fun.  For a lot of guys it’s still a hobby.

“Now this is a job, you have to understand you have to perform on a daily basis.”

Johnson has struggled in his first season.  He’s recently returning to play after being sidelined for 3 weeks due to a groin injury. 

Through 26 games, he’s batting .217 with 13 RBI’s and hit his first pro home run on Saturday.

“I don’t expect him to carry us and win some banners,” GCL Braves Head Coach Luis Ortiz said.  “I just want the young kid to get his feet wet, play baseball and have fun.”

“The pitching is completely different,” Johnson said.  “Everyone is the best pitcher from where ever they came from, everybody throws harder, breaking balls are better.  They all know what they’re doing and don’t many mistakes.”

Drafted number one by the Major League organization known for their on-going record of 14 consecutive division championships, there’s a lot riding on Johnson’s development.  Coach Ortiz said that he doesn’t treat Johnson any differently than the other 34 players on the roster.

“I tell him don’t put pressure on yourself,” Coach Ortiz said.  “Play baseball like you were since you were a kid.”

“We’re not out here to win, though winning is good and all,” Johnson said.  “We’re coming out to get better everyday.  As long as you do something to better yourself, you’ve had a good day.”

Johnson expects himself to make the jump to Atlanta’s A-team, either the Rome Braves or the Myrtle Beach Pelicans by next year’s spring training.

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