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We're thrilled to lead off our major league player interviews with the Blue Jays' new leadoff hitter. Reed Johnson came almost literally out of nowhere this year. Beginning spring training in the minor league camp at 26, and unproven above AA ball, he was an unlikely candidate to have any impact in Toronto. Things have changed.

By the final week of the Grapefruit League campaign, none of the non-roster invitees signed as minor-league free agents had seized their opportunities to go north as the fourth outfielder. When Jayson Werth got hurt, the Jays needed someone to fill in for a couple of exhibition games, and Johnson was rewarded for his hard work. The impression he made that week earned him an early-season emergency callup, and he's never looked back since returning in May. When Shannon Stewart went on the DL, the hustling "dirtbag" rookie became a regular and again made the most of his chances, hitting .327 in June, with five home runs. Two of those came one memorable Sunday afternoon against the Cubs, when he became just the fourth player in history to lead off and end a game with a homer. In addition to his exploits at the plate, he's made spectacular defensive plays in left and right field, and is exciting to watch on the basepaths. We caught up with Reed in the dugout after a recent batting practice.


BB: Batter's Box readers have started calling you "Sparky," or "Sparkplug" — do you mind?

RJ: That sounds pretty good. It's my job as a leadoff hitter to get on base and spark the offence. It's worked out well so far, and I hope there are plenty of sparks to come.

BB: You had a successful high school career in California, then starred at Cal State Fullerton for three years. Among great alumni like Phil Nevin, Jeremy Giambi and Mark Kotsay, you're among the all time Titans leaders in runs, triples, and something you're still doing — getting hit by pitches. Is that a deliberate strategy?

RJ: It's a part of their game down there. When you're hitting in the cage, if one comes up and in and you get out of the way, everybody gives you trouble about it. It's instilled in me, and even if I wanted to get out the way, it's become a habit to stay in there as long as I can and keep that front shoulder closed. If you're trying to use the whole field, hit the ball the other way, you can't worry about them coming inside. Sometimes getting hit isn't so bad; hence the name Sparky, I guess. We get a runner on base, and that might be all it takes.

BB: You always run to first like it's no big deal. I swear I've seen you look glad you got hit.

RJ: I'm not someone who's gonna look out at the mound and stare at the guy. If anyone ever did throw at you on purpose, you would know it. When you're the leadoff guy in a close game, he's not happy about putting you on, so there's no need to run down there looking at him. You're thinking, "maybe I can turn this into a triple."

BB: Another way you've been getting on base consistently is a very effective push bunt for a base hit. Once you get it past the pitcher, it seems like the defence is helpless. When did you develop that as an offensive weapon?

RJ: In high school and in college, I had the same type of coaching staff. They both coached at the same junior college, and they had the same philosophy. At practice, we had a whole station dedicated to bunting, and by the time I got to college, I really got good at it. Now, I go out with John Gibbons a couple times a week for ten or fifteen minutes, and we'll bunt maybe 30 balls down both sides. That push bunt I try to direct right toward the second baseman.

BB: The one you dropped down in Anaheim was just about perfect.

RJ: Yeah, I got all three guys going for it, the pitcher, first baseman and second baseman. By the time I was about halfway to first, I was cruising. Some people may call that stealing a hit, but it's just another thing I try to do to spark the offence. (Grins)

BB: How was it to play out there in front of so many family members and friends?

RJ: It was great. First time I've been home in the summer for several years. A bunch of high school friends game out, and my parents were there, and their friends. It was nice to see everyone, and it was nice to take two out of three.

BB: In the summer of 1999, you were a 17th round pick of the Blue Jays, and got your first taste of Canada when you turned pro in St. Catherines. What was that transition like?

RJ: It was difficult. We had a long college season, the whole school year. Then we went to the College World Series. They wanted to fly me straight from Omaha to join St. Catherines, but I needed a few days at home. When I did go up there, I was really tired, and it was tough mentally, too. So I didn't have a great start, but I made up for it the next season.

BB: In 2000, you moved up to Low-A, then High-A, with a combined .420 on-base percentage and 12 home runs, then you had a fantastic season in 2001 as the Southern League all-star center fielder. You were obviously on the fast track; what happened in 2002?

RJ: It was an injury-plagued season, nothing I could do about it. Three freak injuries happened. I hurt my wrist in spring training, and was out for the first three months. Then I went right up to AAA and after being there for a month and a half, slid into second base and broke my finger. After that, I went to the Dominican Republic for two weeks, trying to get enough at-bats to show the Blue Jays I could still play. I was hitting about .380 and got smoked in the hand by a fastball. I couldn't swing for two months.

BB: That explains why you were such a longshot this spring. You weren't even on the 40-man roster.

RJ: In late December, they let me know that they were taking me off the roster, but I still had a chance to make the club. I was disappointed, but they needed to free up a spot, and J.P. told me in December they thought they could get away with it, so I understood.

BB: The people who contribute to our site like to consider ourselves informed fans, but you were off the radar even for us until the last week of March.

RJ: I was called up for four or five games, and I made the best of the opportunity. The fourth outfielders they brought in didn't do as well as they thought they would, and Jayson Werth was injured at the beginning of the year, so it opened up an opportunity for me to get a look. Two weeks later, I found myself here.

BB: There have been a lot of firsts, and a lot of highlights, but the day you bookended the game with leadoff and walkoff home runs must have been sweet.

RJ: I might have hit a walkoff homer in summer ball back in my freshman year, and I had just one in pro ball, in Tennessee. I don't know if I'll ever have another moment like that, and to have it early in your big league career, in your rookie season, it's just unbelievable.

BB: Tell us about the framed picture of Ty Cobb you keep in your locker.

RJ: When I started looking at baseball history, I saw and heard about the way he played, and said that was what I wanted to do. To look back on my career with no regrets, and be able to say I went out there every single day and left everything out on the field, the way he did. That's what the picture signifies. It reminds me to give everything I've got out there. A lot of people say he wasn't too nice a guy off the field, or on it, but I don't know him as a person. The way he played the game is the right way, and I model myself after that.

BB: Speaking on behalf of everyone at Batter's Box, we love the way you play. Thanks for this, and continued good luck.

RJ: No problem. It's been fun.




A Conversation With Reed Johnson | 65 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Craig B - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 03:10 PM EDT (#22449) #
Thanks to Coach, and to Reed Johnson. Hearing that he models himself after Cobb, all I can say is I have a new favourite Jay.
Pistol - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 03:51 PM EDT (#22450) #
Nice job with the interview.
Lucas - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 05:28 PM EDT (#22451) #
Great job with the interview. And the new site design looks great too.
_BJ Birdy - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 05:52 PM EDT (#22452) #
Great interview, snappy new site design . . . what's not to like in Da Box?
_Spicol - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 06:23 PM EDT (#22453) #
Amazing stuff. Great job.
_Ken - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 07:04 PM EDT (#22454) #
great interview,

i could swear reed looks like he's on some hollywood billboard in the first picture! Sparky hits the big leagues.

in the second those eyes are cutting, piercing the screen on my PC. damn.

makes you wonder about all the ifs and buts in sport, what if Jason Werth wasn't injured in spring training?
_Jabonoso - Sunday, August 10 2003 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#22455) #
Great to have voices from the field. Keep bringing them. Even encourage them to post, would make the whole blog experience multidimensional and more enjoyable. But, yea, being public scrutiny liable person won't help. Just a remark: for the people that follow minors, Reed was well known, but it was quite a stretch to have plans for him in Toronto ( being 26 not helping much), many tough Freel would have the impact Reed is having now ( Ryan plays a very good OF too ) and he is no longer with us. First, Werth injured, then Cat in a big slump, the AAAA veterans not playing even to last year standards, all went his way and i'm happy for him and hope that he makes it very difficult to Gross, Rios, Griffin et al to become regulars...
_Jordan - Monday, August 11 2003 @ 01:58 PM EDT (#22456) #
When I started looking at baseball history, I saw and heard about the way he played, and said that was what I wanted to do. To look back on my career with no regrets, and be able to say I went out there every single day and left everything out on the field, the way he did. That’s what the picture signifies.

A good player, a smart guy, a great addition to this ballclub. The Jays should be doing their utmost to market Johnson to Toronto fans, who value hustle and spunk. He understands the game. Thanks to him for granting us this interview, and thanks to Kent for doing such a tremendous job with it. How many sites can boast Q-&-A's with major-league players less than a year into the site's existence? Kudos all around.
_Simon - Monday, August 11 2003 @ 04:38 PM EDT (#22457) #
Great job. He sounds like a great guy and really plays the game with a lot of respect. Can't help but like that.
_Dani - Friday, August 15 2003 @ 07:50 PM EDT (#22458) #
A few days ago my dad and I drove down from B.C. to Seattle to catch the Jays @ Mariners and I got Reed Johnson's autograph. (soo happy!) There was one thing I noticed, which may sound corny and even not done on purpose, but when Reed gives his autograph, he actually makes eye contact and looks like he really cares about his fans. I have a few signatures from some really big athletes and they all seemed to look annoyed--not Reed! He was one of my favs before then, but even more now. Great site. Way to get the interviews.
Coach - Saturday, August 16 2003 @ 02:51 PM EDT (#22459) #
From the National Post, here's a fine feature about Reed (and his background in gymnastics) by John Lott. Thanks to Gerry for the tip.
_Reed Johnson - Saturday, August 23 2003 @ 01:09 AM EDT (#22460) #
Thanks a lot to all of my fans. To read all of your compliments means a great deal to me I was suprised to have so many fans and am excited about my future in Toronto. This is a great site, and the people invovlved with it know their baseball. Everyone in Toronto should be excited about their growing club because it won't be long until that world championship is back in Toronto. Thanks again

Reed Johnson
Gitz - Saturday, August 23 2003 @ 06:06 AM EDT (#22461) #
Thanks for stopping by, Reed! I hope you didn't violate curfew or anything to post here this morning.

Now go easy on my A's for the next couple of days, will ya?

Best of luck the rest of this season and in your career.

-- John Gizzi, ZLC, Official Member
Pepper Moffatt - Saturday, August 23 2003 @ 11:38 AM EDT (#22462) #
http://economics.about.com
Great interview Coach! I can't wait for the JP one.

I really like how Johnson plays the game. If I were coaching Little League, he's one guy I'd tell the kids to emulate. You gotta love the hustle, and I hope we see Reed in Canada for a long time (I'd be pretty pleased if my Expos picked him up). Keep up the great work!

I'm surprised more right-handed hitters don't try to bunt for hits doen the 3rd baseline. It seems to me that if you've got a reputation for doing that the 3rd baseman and the shortstop will play in a few steps. Then you'll have a better chance of slapping a hit down the 5.5 hole.

Mike
_Harpy - Saturday, August 23 2003 @ 11:48 PM EDT (#22463) #
Great site, great interview. I’ve been to a lot of games this summer and have heard quite a buzz in the stands about Reed. He definitely has brought more than his share of excitement. Welcome to T.O., Reed!
_David - Sunday, August 24 2003 @ 01:12 AM EDT (#22464) #
As a major leaguer without tenure I realize it would be tough to get away with, but it would be amazing see some of those "between-innings backflips in the outfield" Reed did in college.
_Sara - Wednesday, October 01 2003 @ 11:31 AM EDT (#22465) #
Reed Johnson ROCKS!! This interview is COOL!! Rock on Reed!
_Sara - Wednesday, October 01 2003 @ 11:31 AM EDT (#22466) #
Reed Johnson ROCKS!! This interview is COOL!! Rock on Reed!
_Kristin - Sunday, October 05 2003 @ 08:25 PM EDT (#22467) #
Reed Johnson has been absolutely amazing this year. He was definitely the "talk" of the fans and everybody loves him! I went to quite a few games this year, and once we were sitting right behind him in right field, and I was watching him whenever he was in the outfield (and that cute booty of his! :) He is a true baseball player; gives it his all, doesn't care what it takes to get on base or get the opposing team out.
Welcome to Toronto Reed...you said you are enjoying your time in Toronto, and I must say (and I think I speak for a LOT of BJ fans) that we are enjoying your time here too! Now bring the World Series back to Canada.!!
_Kristin - Sunday, October 05 2003 @ 08:25 PM EDT (#22468) #
Reed Johnson has been absolutely amazing this year. He was definitely the "talk" of the fans and everybody loves him! I went to quite a few games this year, and once we were sitting right behind him in right field, and I was watching him whenever he was in the outfield (and that cute booty of his! :) He is a true baseball player; gives it his all, doesn't care what it takes to get on base or get the opposing team out.
Welcome to Toronto Reed...you said you are enjoying your time in Toronto, and I must say (and I think I speak for a LOT of BJ fans) that we are enjoying your time here too! Now bring the World Series back to Canada.!!
_Nighthawk - Friday, October 24 2003 @ 01:17 AM EDT (#22469) #
As a huge "new" fan for 2003 I have developed an obsession for the bluejays. I had never been to a game until May 30 this year and managed to get to 35 by the end of the season, from Niagara Falls. Not only did I watch everygame I could in Toronto but when I couldn't be there it was on the television at home or even the radio! Reed had an amazing year and I look forward to seeing him play with the rest of the boys on April 5. Welcome to Canada Reed. Hope your next season is even better than this one for you.
_Sara - Friday, October 24 2003 @ 02:06 PM EDT (#22470) #
Reed is my favourite baseball player of all time. I only hope that Toronto has him next year. If they don't, I'll watch whatever team Reed players for. Keep up the good work Reed.
Your BiggestFan
_Sara - Friday, October 24 2003 @ 02:06 PM EDT (#22471) #
Reed is my favourite baseball player of all time. I only hope that Toronto has him next year. If they don't, I'll watch whatever team Reed players for. Keep up the good work Reed.
Your BiggestFan
Craig B - Friday, October 24 2003 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#22472) #
Sara, I feel pretty confident that Reed will indeed be a Blue Jay in 2004, it would take quite a sweet trade offer to lure him away from Toronto.
_Dale Birmingham - Saturday, November 15 2003 @ 12:56 AM EST (#22473) #
Reed, I can't wait until next season and see you in action. I watched allot of your games on mlb.com and look forward to next season. Good luck in the next year and your future, your cousin, Dale.
_Connor - Saturday, January 03 2004 @ 05:25 PM EST (#22474) #
Thanks for being my batting coach
_Erin - Saturday, January 03 2004 @ 09:50 PM EST (#22475) #
I just want to say that I have watched Reed play many times when he was with the Syracuse Sky Chiefs and have gotten his autograph many times and even a picture with him. He was one of the nicest players to play for the Sky Chiefs and I hope there are more like him!
_Michael Sbrocch - Saturday, July 17 2004 @ 01:37 PM EDT (#22476) #
hey reed johnson i am a big fan of yours your friend mike
_alexandra - Wednesday, August 04 2004 @ 06:28 PM EDT (#22477) #
hey reed i absolutely love watching you play and me and my gals think you're absolutely a doll! Keep up the good work i hope you get this message and we're so happy you're in toronto....you're adorable! Keep it up.
-Alexandra

ps->hoping to get your autograph sometime.. :)
_Michael Sbrocch - Saturday, August 07 2004 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#22478) #
reed can i have your autograph i luv u i am a big huge fan
_Mike Forbes - Saturday, August 07 2004 @ 12:35 PM EDT (#22479) #
...And with all that wrote, Reed Johnson is now realizing his career path will lead him into the weak side of a platoon.

(I Do know this is old.)
_Matt - Saturday, August 07 2004 @ 01:11 PM EDT (#22480) #
Unless he gets that .352 OBP back against the righties... THEN he'll be right back into his architypical leadoff spot on a nightly basis...

Last year was no fluke mr forbes :).....
_Jobu - Sunday, August 15 2004 @ 08:24 PM EDT (#22481) #
Ahhhh.... there's the stuffing.
_Keith Talent - Sunday, August 15 2004 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#22482) #
Reed Johnson has a great dog. Ted Lilly's is better. (How about those Groucho Marx eyebrows on Reed?)
Thomas - Monday, August 16 2004 @ 09:03 AM EDT (#22483) #
I dunno KT. I'm a big fan of Shooter myself.

I had never noticed the eyebrows until you just pointed them out.
_ReedJohnsonFana - Tuesday, August 17 2004 @ 01:43 PM EDT (#22484) #
Don't Make fun of Reedy's eyebrows.....I love him and he is perfect...If he saw you have may make fun of your eyebrows!
_ReedJohnsonFana - Tuesday, August 17 2004 @ 01:46 PM EDT (#22485) #
Reedy is surely the HOTTEST Toronto Blue Jay......He has a nice all around body...and a nice batting stance between pitches........"IT IS HOT!!!!"
_Michael Sbrocch - Saturday, August 21 2004 @ 08:19 PM EDT (#22486) #
heyyyyyyyyyyyyy reed i heard some making fun of ur eyebrows
_Keith Talent - Saturday, August 21 2004 @ 11:57 PM EDT (#22487) #
ReedJohnsonFanatic,

It's funny, I believe I heard John Cerutti say the very same thing:

"Reed Johnson is a throw-back player to a grittier time. His idol is Ty Cobb, and not to mention he is the hottest Toronto Blue Jay. He has a nice all around body."

Rob Faulds: "Sure, John. But, yikes! Check out those eyebrows. WHAT D'YA THINK ABOUT THAT?!?"
_Michael Sbrocch - Sunday, August 22 2004 @ 07:04 PM EDT (#22488) #
REED U THERE???????????????????
_alexandra - Monday, August 30 2004 @ 11:07 AM EDT (#22489) #
reed is a great guy there's no need to talk about his eyebrows..they're great and him as a whole is great...i think rob faulds needs new lines ..here are his main lines....." BACK IT GOES AND GONE!! A HOMERUN...FOUL", WHAT DO YA THINK ABOUT REED?? (LOL),
AND A LINE DRIVE RIGHT AT...FOUL, TED DELIVERS THE FIRST PITCH AND THIS GAME IS UNDERWAY...lol i can predict what he's about to say before he says it..anyway reed is great his body's great his eyebrows are great and the jays are great..GO REED WE LOVE YOU!!!
_reedjohnosnrox3 - Monday, August 30 2004 @ 11:08 AM EDT (#22490) #
reed is a great guy there's no need to talk about his eyebrows..they're great and him as a whole is great...i think rob faulds needs new lines ..here are his main lines....." BACK IT GOES AND GONE!! A HOMERUN...FOUL", WHAT DO YA THINK ABOUT REED?? (LOL),
AND A LINE DRIVE RIGHT AT...FOUL, TED DELIVERS THE FIRST PITCH AND THIS GAME IS UNDERWAY...lol i can predict what he's about to say before he says it..anyway reed is great his body's great his eyebrows are great and the jays are great..GO REED WE LOVE YOU!!!
_Michael - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 01:32 PM EDT (#22491) #
where is reed??? hello?? im want to talk to him wish he was here
Named For Hank - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 02:04 PM EDT (#22492) #
I don't think that Reed has ever posted to Batter's Box. This is just an interview with him.
_reedjohnsonrox3 - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 05:35 PM EDT (#22493) #
actually, someone posted above earlier that stated to be reed himself thanking the fans for support....check...
Named For Hank - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 06:35 PM EDT (#22494) #
That's right, I forgot about that. So he posted here... a year ago. ;)

I'm just trying to tell poor Michael that this isn't the greatest way to contact Reed.
_Michael - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 08:59 PM EDT (#22495) #
how do i contact reed johnson then?
_Michael - Wednesday, September 01 2004 @ 09:03 PM EDT (#22496) #
i want his autograph wawawawawawawawaa
wawawawawawawawawawawwawawawawawawawa
wawwawaswawawawawwawawawawawawwawawa
wawawawawawawawwawawawawawwawawa
Named For Hank - Thursday, September 02 2004 @ 06:43 AM EDT (#22497) #
You could try writing a letter to the Jays (not e-mail, but an old-fashioned letter) or to Reed's agent. Also, listen for info about those signings at car dealerships -- Reed has done a bunch of those.
_Michael - Thursday, September 02 2004 @ 09:15 AM EDT (#22498) #
uh how do that
_Mike - Thursday, September 02 2004 @ 09:18 AM EDT (#22499) #
a delarship in toronto cool
_Michael - Friday, September 03 2004 @ 09:01 AM EDT (#22500) #
any delarship in toronto?¿
_reedjohnsonrox3 - Tuesday, September 14 2004 @ 04:09 PM EDT (#22501) #
yep
_ReedJohnsonFana - Saturday, September 18 2004 @ 12:23 PM EDT (#22502) #
He dd a signing at a richmond hill general motors during the summer! there are some hot pictures of hime while he was there!
_Michael - Monday, September 20 2004 @ 08:39 AM EDT (#22503) #
where in toronto?
_reedjohnsonrox3 - Monday, September 27 2004 @ 04:39 PM EDT (#22504) #
well they normally have it posted on the blue jays website which car dealership the players are going to be at here in toronto...go under player appearances after you click on fan forum at the top..
_Emily Ferrari - Sunday, October 10 2004 @ 08:45 PM EDT (#22505) #
REED JOHNSON IS HOOOOOOT.
He is also a good player and I wish to be like him one day
_ReedJohnsonFana - Monday, October 11 2004 @ 08:11 PM EDT (#22506) #
Reedy is the Hottest Toronto Blue Jay.....

GOOD SEASON REEDY...YOU SHOULD HAVE PLAYED MORE...YOU ARE WAY BETTER THAT GABE GROSS!!!
_ReedJohnsonFana - Monday, October 11 2004 @ 08:11 PM EDT (#22507) #
Reedy is the Hottest Toronto Blue Jay.....

GOOD SEASON REEDY...YOU SHOULD HAVE PLAYED MORE...YOU ARE WAY BETTER THAN GABE GROSS!!!
_Jobu - Tuesday, October 12 2004 @ 07:09 PM EDT (#22508) #
Hey, the Sparky thread is back up the most visted chart. Sweet.

37 on the field, number 1 in our hearts.
_Michael - Friday, October 15 2004 @ 05:13 PM EDT (#22509) #
can reed johnson see these comments i hope he can
_reedjohnsonrox3 - Sunday, October 24 2004 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#22510) #
me 2
_Jobu - Sunday, October 24 2004 @ 01:07 PM EDT (#22511) #
Sure he CAN see them, does he? More than likely no.
_Michael - Thursday, October 28 2004 @ 05:48 PM EDT (#22512) #
maybe he can see these comments doesent he go on his computer or does he have a computer?
melondough - Tuesday, March 25 2008 @ 05:58 PM EDT (#181460) #

I hope that this is important enough to post out of place.  Does anyone seem to have an insider pass to confirm this.  It came from a buddy of mine and it appears the link is to espn.insider.  Here is the e-mail I rec'd:

Found this nugget on espn.com…

Rumor has it that although the Jays haven't yet made it official, they also will leave A.J. Burnett and Shaun Marcum back when the team returns north for the season. Burnett suffered a torn fingernail this spring and Marcum is recovering from knee surgery. Both still need more work to get ready for the season. No word yet on whether either of them will miss a start, but be prepared for it to happen, just in case.

A Conversation With Reed Johnson | 65 comments | Create New Account
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