By Katharine Cruise
Rewind to the beginning of summer. Only someone living under a rock wouldn’t remember what Louisville was in a frenzy about. That’s right, the University of Louisville baseball team made it all the way to the College World Series.
For Logan Johnson, the baseball game isn’t over just yet.
The Chicago White Sox drafted Johnson, a senior second baseman for the Cards in 2007, with the 25th pick in the 20th round (No. 629 overall) last June. He is now continuing his baseball career at the highest level.
Johnson is currently playing for the Bristol Sox of the Appalachian League (A). With only a couple hundred fans in attendance for home games, it’s been quite an adjustment from Jim Patterson Stadium.
“I miss having the fans from Louisville show their spirit and really get into the games,” Johnson said.
Last season, Johnson was named first team All-Big East and third team All-American after batting .365 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs. He was also named U of L’s Male Spring Sport Athlete of the Year, which is presented each year to student athletes for exemplifying the characteristics of leadership, exuberance for sport and dedication to excellence in their sport.
Still, Johnson’s biggest claim to fame may be his play during Louisville’s magical postseason run. He picked up All-Regional honors during the Missouri Regional, then tied a CWS record with four home runs, leading the Cards to a tie for fifth place.
However, Johnson has not let all his recent success affect his attitude. He still remains humble and grounded.
“I am honored to be mentioned in those awards,” Johnson said. “All the credit though goes to my teammates and coaches.”
It hasn’t been all fun and games this summer for Johnson though. Shortly after joining the team, he ran into a small hitting slump.
“My family is really supportive,” Johnson said. “I have turned to my dad and brother for advice during my dry spells.”
According to Johnson, his father’s advice was to “Just keep swinging.”
That’s probably the best advice his father could give considering that Johnson has hit three home runs this past month, while ranking in the top 10 in doubles in the Appalachian league.
This is no surprise to U of L baseball fans and coaches. Johnson holds the school record for single season doubles (27), single season hit by pitch (32 – 2nd in NCAA history), career doubles (66) and career HBP (74 – tied for 4th in NCAA history), while also ranking in the top 10 in 16 single season and career statistical categories at U of L.
Now, Johnson is looking forward to his return back to U of L, where he is attending classes this fall. He is due to graduate in December with a business management degree. Yet, mostly he is looking forward to seeing his former teammates.
“Of course I can’t wait to come back and graduate, but I’m mostly looking forward to being around all the guys on campus again just having fun,” Johnson said.
Even U of L head coach Dan McDonnell knows what kind of relationships the players on the CWS team developed.
“There is an unexplainable bond that these guys will share with one another for the rest of their lives. Through careers and families they will always remember making it to the College World Series together,” McDonnell said.
After graduation, Johnson is planning on returning to his home town of Owensboro, Ky. for two months and then heading out to spring training camps.
One thing is certain: baseball definitely hasn’t heard the last of Logan Johnson.
