SportsCollege Sports

Actions

Chipola baseball renames field after longtime head coach

Posted at 12:41 AM, Jan 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-28 00:41:47-05

TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - When it comes to junior college baseball, the Chipola Indians are one of the most dominant teams in the country. The Indians are the current three time defending State Champs and won back to back National titles in 2017 and 2018.

Leading the way? Jeff Johnson, who's in his 23rd season in Marianna. He's a three time National Coach of the Year and a six time Coach of the Year in the state of Florida, and now, the field he plays on bears his name.

"You don't want to get emotional, you don't want to get into all that stuff, but it was a surreal feeling when you saw that sign unveiled and it had your name on it," he reflected. "It'll be there for the rest of your life. When I'm gone, it'll still be there. To ride by everyday and come practice on the field, and see it everyday, it's a humbling great honor."

Johnson was considered a candidate for the head coaching job at Florida State. He's coached Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, and Tyler Flowers, among many others who have played Major League Baseball.