NYPL Aberdeen IronBirds

Elliot Johnson makes history

Published on May 28, 2004 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Aberdeen IronBirds News Release


(Charleston-SC)- Elliot Johnson Friday did what only one Major Leaguer in history has done: homer in the first, second and third innings of a game.

The Charleston RiverDogs infielder, who homered in his final at bat Thursday, began Friday's game at Memorial Stadium in Greensboro, NC with a solo home run to right field on the second pitch of the game.

Johnson, in his third season in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, came to the plate with one out and the bases empty in the second inning, and drove a fastball from Greensboro Bats starter Mauro Zarate over the right field fence for his second round-tripper of the night.

In the third inning, against Greensboro Bats reliever Travis Chick, Johnson drilled a two-run homer over the right-center field fence.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Carl Reynolds is the only Major Leaguer in history to homer in each of the first three innings of a game. His feat came in 1930 with the Chicago White Sox. In addition to his Friday night feat, Johnson homered in four consecutive at bats, and in four consecutive innings dating back to Thursday night.

He came to the plate in the fourth inning Friday with a chance to extend the streak, but flied out to center field. Later in the game, Johnson drew a walk and grounded into a double-play, ending a memorable 3-for-5 night.

It is unknown if any other minor leaguer has recorded the feat that Johnson did Friday.

Originally from Thatcher, AZ, Johnson had just two career home runs entering Thursday's game in Greensboro. A non-drafted free-agent, Johnson signed in 2002 and began his playing career that season with the Princeton Devil Rays in the Rookie Appalachian League.

Johnson, 20, joined the RiverDogs in 2003, but appeared in only 54 games last season due to injury. His only career home run before this season came in 2002 with Princeton.

Also in Friday's 15-6 RiverDogs victory, Charleston set a South Atlantic League club record with eight home runs in the game. The previous record had been six, and was held by several teams.

In addition to Johnson's three home runs, Wes Bankston, Jason Pridie, Aneudi Cuevas, Delmon Young and Travis Schlichting all homered.

A rarity for Charleston, the RiverDogs did not take batting practice prior to the record-setting night.

Charleston, with 15 home runs in the first three-games of the series with Greensboro, will look for a four-game sweep of the Bats on Saturday.

The first-place RiverDogs currently hold a one game lead over the Columbus Catfish in the Southern Division of the South Atlantic League. The two teams will meet in a three-game series beginning Monday in Columbus.

Charleston will return home to Riley Park to open a six-game homestand on June 3.

Tickets for all RiverDogs home games and the 45th Annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game, June 29 at Riley Park, are available in person at the Riley Park Box Office, by phone at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) and online at riverdogs.com and etix.com.

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New York-Penn League Stories from May 28, 2004


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