Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 8/24/2008

By R.G. Greene

rgreene@gtowntimes.com

Michael and Meagan Johnson have decided to follow in their father's footsteps.

The son and daughter of venerable Georgetown High baseball coach Mike Johnson, Michael has been announced as the volunteer assistant baseball coach at Clemson and Meagan has been named softball coach at Andrews High.

"It's a neat experience with all of our family now being involved in coaching," said Michael, a former All-American at Clemson who has spent the last five years playing for the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros organizations. "I always knew that if pro ball didn't work out, I'd like to be able to get into coaching. I had some great years at Clemson. I loved playing here. Having the opportunity to come back and coach is a dream come true."

Said Meagan, an assistant softball coach at Carvers Bay the last two years, "I'm excited to have this chance. I'm looking forward to getting started. When I was in high school and saw how my dad was around his players, I realized how rewarding coaching could be. It was something I was interested in from that point forward."

Competitive kids

Mike Johnson isn't surprised by the choices his children have made.

"They're both very competitive," he said. "I remember the wiffle ball games they used to have when they were growing up. Michael would have to agree to bat (opposite handed) and not throw hard to get Meagan to play. Then she would get the lead in the game and the talk would start. They'd have to get their mom out there to break things up.

"They both were able to go on and play at high levels. I'm not sure people recognize the affection you develop for the game from doing that. It's something you want to continue to be part of after your playing days are over."

Clemson star

A graduate of Georgetown High, Michael was a four-year letterman at Clemson, playing first base for the Tigers from 2000-03 - he redshirted his first season in 1999. His 58 career homers, .636 slugging percentage and 213 RBIs all rank in the top six for the Tigers all-time.

Player of Year

Meagan is also an alumnus of Georgetown and played collegiate softball at Furman and Coastal Carolina. She was the Big South Conference's Player of the Year as a senior in 2006, leading CCU in virtually all offensive categories including home runs (20), batting average (.390), slugging percentage (.894) and RBIs (56). In addition, she posted a 9-3 record and 1.76 ERA as a pitcher.

Both Michael and Meagan believe what they've accomplished as players should help them as coaches.

"We've learned a lot from our dad and the other coaches we've had," Meagan said. "Having been able to play in college, we were exposed to a high level of competition. I'm sure both Michael and I will try to incorporate all of that into what we'll be doing."

Mike Johnson has dedicated his life to coaching baseball, his teams winning more than 680 games in a career that has spanned 38 years. It's more than his ability to manage the game though that has made him so successful.

Under his direction, the annual International Paper Classic has become the premier tournament for high school baseball in South Carolina - bringing much needed revenue to Georgetown each spring - and he has helped countless young athletes become not only better players, but better people.

"He and I have already spoken several times about how to handle certain situations," Michael said. "I've always sought his input on things. Ten years down the road, I'm sure I'll still be calling him.

"I can remember when I was playing in the (minor leagues), I'd be back home working out and trying to get ready for the next season. Former players would always be dropping by to talk to him and to thank him. You could see the impact he had on their lives."

Right place, time

Timing played a part in Michael's appointment to Clemson's staff. Back to finish his degree after his playing career had ended, he was in the right place at the right time when the Tigers needed a coach.

He's the second Georgetown alum on the staff. Pitching coach Kyle Bunn is also a former Bulldog.

Bunn also started his coaching career as a volunteer, working for the University of Mississippi.

"Kyle has been a tremendous help to me," Michael said. "He's been a college coach for a few years, so he understands what it takes to be successful.

"Being a volunteer, there are certain sacrifices that have to be made. My family has been very supportive, they are all special people.

"My wife has been great. She supported me all those years while I was in the minors and trying to make the major leagues. Her continued support is what has made things possible (at Clemson)."

Thinking ahead to next season, Mike Johnson had some simple words of advice for his children.

"They have to be themselves," he said. "They can't try to be someone else. They'll have to develop their own styles."