Former McKendree Star Cale Johnson Signs with Grizzlies
Published on February 7, 2012 under Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
The Gateway Grizzlies have added former McKendree University star pitcher, Cale Johnson, to the 2012 Spring Training roster.
The 6-2 195-pound right-hander played for the Bearcats from 2006-2009. Johnson went 21-7 during his final three seasons at McKendree. He was twice named American Midwest Conference pitcher of the year at the NAIA level.
"Cale had a great career at McKendree, which has a well-respected college baseball program," Grizzlies Manager Phil Warren said. "He put up great numbers and was certainly a guy who was on our radar even back then."
Johnson, 24, was drafted in the 41st round of the 2009 MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Greenville, IL native compiled a 7-5 record with a 3.55 ERA during his first two seasons in the pros, both at rookie ball. Johnson made the jump to single-A Quad Cities for the 2011 season. He finished with a 1-4 record and a 4.33 ERA. After starting and relieving from 2009-2010, Johnson pitched exclusively out of the bullpen in 2011, appearing in 30 games. In 52 innings, Johnson walked only 22 batters, while striking out 39.
"It's easy to get lost in the shuffle when you pitch out of the bullpen in affiliated ball," Warren commented. "We are going to give Cale a chance to start here at Gateway with the hope that he can pitch well and find his way back to affiliated ball as a starter. We are confident in his abilities and we feel he is a great addition to our pitching staff. We are very excited to see what Cale can do for us."
The Grizzlies open their season on May 18th against the reigning Frontier League Champion, Joliet Slammers. Season and Group tickets are on sale now by calling 618.337.3000.
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