IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Gwinnett Braves Name North Johnson As Their New General Manager

Published on January 19, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


The Gwinnett Braves have announced that North Johnson has been hired as their new general manager. He begins his new position on Monday, January 25. Johnson replaces Bruce Baldwin, who after 23 seasons with the team stepped down in October.

Johnson, who has served as the General Manager of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans since September, 2006, marked his 32nd year in minor league baseball in 2009, the last 24 of which have been spent as General Manager.

"North has a proven track record of success everywhere he's been and we think he is the perfect fit for the Gwinnett Braves," said Mike Plant, Atlanta Braves Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "We look forward to his leadership with the team and in the community."

In 2008 he was awarded his fourth Carolina League Executive of the Year Award, after guiding the Pelicans to a franchise attendance record and overseeing the highly successful California-Carolina League All-Star Game.

During his tenure in Myrtle Beach, Johnson oversaw a $2.5 million renovation project at BB&T Coastal Field, which included a new state of the art video board, left field bleachers and the only beach in minor league baseball. Johnson was instrumental in co-hosting the 2007 NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament at BB&T Coastal Field. The Pelicans have been honored by receiving numerous community and customer service awards by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce over the past three years.

Prior to coming to the Grand Strand, he was the GM of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (A-Los Angeles Angels) in the California League. For his outstanding work leading Rancho Cucamonga, he was selected as the California League's "Executive of the Year" in 2005.

Johnson was the President/General Manager of the Kinston Indians for 17 seasons from 1987 until 2003 and was tabbed as the "Executive of the Year" three different times during his tenure (1988, 1994 and 2000). Under his watchful eye the Indians received the Bob Freitas Award in 1994. In 2003, as a show of appreciation for his service, the city of Kinston handed Johnson the "Keys to the City." In 2004, he became the first inductee into the Kinston Indians / Grainger Stadium Wall of Fame after his success with the franchise.

Johnson focuses on charitable organizations and the community he lives in. He is actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club, Boy & Girl Scouts of America, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, ALS Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and YMCA.

North and his wife Anita have two children, son Stephen and daughter Taylor.

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International League Stories from January 19, 2010


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