PCL1 Round Rock Express

Rojo Johnson Returns to Central Texas

Published on April 25, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - Will Ferrell will host the second annual Will Powered Golf Classic on Friday, May 6 at Cimarron Hill Country Club in Georgetown, Texas, on behalf of Cancer for College.

Ferrell returns to Central Texas for the second summer in a row. Billy Ray "Rojo" Johnson, a fictional character portrayed by Ferrell, pitched in a game for the Round Rock Express during the 2010 season against the Nashville Sounds. The Express announced the signing of Johnson, a fire-balling right-handed phenom that was born in the U.S. but raised in Venezuela, a few weeks before he was to make his first appearance.

Johnson had been serving time in a central Texas prison for running a smuggling ring that imported rare and illegal species of reptiles into the U.S., and upon his release was assigned to The Dell Diamond. Johnson entered the game against the Nashville Sounds on Thursday, May 6 wearing gold chains and toting a bag full of beers. His first pitch went behind the Sounds player and he was immediately ejected. He eventually left the field, but not before fighting with the umpire and spraying the Sounds player with beer, ending his only stint with the Express in 2010.

Johnson was asked to make a return during the 2011 season but declined citing the affiliation change.

"Rojo doesn't play for an American League team," Johnson said. "I don't just pitch, I also hit. When the Express changed their affiliation from the Astros to the Rangers, I decided to hang up the cleats. I'm a National League guy."

While many fans will be disappointed to hear that Johnson will not return to The Dell Diamond, Express CEO Reid Ryan believes Johnson may be scared to make a return.

"To be honest, I think it is a cop-out," Ryan said. "I think he is scared. Coming into last year all I heard about was his arm, and frankly, it did not impress me. We have new uniforms and a talent-laden team that just happens to be in first place and he is afraid to take the mound, period. He's scared."

Cancer for College is a 501(c)(3) charity that was formed in 1993 by two-time cancer survivor and double amputee, Craig Pollard. Since its inception, Cancer for College has raised over $2 million and granted more than 800 scholarships to cancer survivors. Proceeds from this year's event will directly benefit 15 scholarship recipients who are either attending a Texas school or call the state home.

Tickets are still available for the cocktail reception and dinner hosted by Ferrell. Tickets may be purchased on the web via www.cancerforcollege.org or by calling 760.599.5096.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 25, 2011


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