November 6, 2013

INDIANS IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

***Click here for a complete list of former players in Professional Baseball

Italics = Active

Jose Bautista - 2000 & 2001
6x All Star
2x Homerun Champion
Toronto Blue Jays

"Coach Johnson has and still has a great impact in my life. It began from the time I arrived in Marianna, Florida, at age 18 and continues today as I play for the Blue Jays in the Major Leagues. His contributions to my development and growth as a player and as a person have been so great that I consider him the individual that has had the greatest influence in me (after my parents). He has such a contagious love and passion for the game that, as a player, you can't help but to learn the game as much as he does. Having him as my coach, I learned how to play the game and respect it, but also how to play it the right way: The Winning Way. He also taught me about discipline and dedication and how to use them on and off the field so I can also become a better citizen and contributor to society. What impressed me the most while I played for him was his 'uncanny' ability to win baseball games. He knows how to run a baseball program period. From scouting and recruiting players to making sure his students go to study hall and keep their grades 'up', he is a true Baseball Coach. Through hard work and with perseverance he can turn a group of guys into a winning ballclub. He knows the game in-and-out and is a great observator. To this day, when I'm struggling at the plate, I call him and ask him to watch my 'at-bats' to see what needs to be fixed." - Jose Bautista

Russell Martin - 2001 & 2002
4x All Star
Gold Glove Winner
Toronto Blue Jays

"Coach Johnson puts the well-being of his players before his own well-being. Coach Johnson also puts the extra-time in, both on and off the field with his players to see his kids become successful. I've had many coaches in my professional career so far, and Coach Johnson is the one I respect the most both professional and personally, because of his perseverance through both easy and difficult situations and the perseverance translated to me and also many of the players that played with me here at Chipola. Coach Johnson helped those guys and myself become successful at whatever our profession is."

"I grew up here at Chipola more than any other time in my life. I came to Chipola a boy and now consider myself a man ready to take on any adverse situation." "Not only did I improve my skills as a baseball player, I became a player with much confidence and more character as my time went on here at Chipola"

"Hard work here at Chipola has translated into my pro career, by making the long season feel easier to take on because of Coach Johnson's everlasting drive to get the most out of us as players and people." - Russel Martin

Patrick Corbin - 2009
2013 NL All-Star
Arizona Diamondbacks

“Coach Johnson has been one of the biggest influences in my baseball career, both on and off the field. He has great expectations and does a great job of getting the best out of his team. Whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, he will put you in the best situation for you to succeed. The first time I talked with Coach J on the phone I knew I wanted to play for him and knew Chipola would be the best place for me to succeed as a player and student. He told me nothing would be given to me and what he demanded from his players. Knowing this and seeing the great players he had coached before me made signing with Chipola a no-brainer! Being a pitcher, he taught me both mentally and mechanically the fundamentals that have allowed me to develop and be successful in professional baseball. Without a question, going to Chipola was the best decision of my life, and I would not be where I am today without Coach J!”