Johnson brings new character, same winning pedigree to Myrtle Beach Pelicans

New Myrtle Beach Pelicans manager Mark Johnson doesn’t see himself becoming a YouTube sensation any time soon.

While his predecessor, Joe Mikulik, received national exposure for his on-field antics, Johnson would prefer to shy away from the spotlight.

“It’s not my show; it’s the kids’ show. If I have to do something to protect my players, I will. But it’s not about me,” Johnson said Tuesday during the club’s first media day as an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. “The ultimate goal is to make everyone better and to develop them as young men and as professional athletes.”

In a year of change for the Pelicans, Johnson will serve as the new face of the team. And while Mikulik was known for his tirades, Johnson doesn’t expect to be quite as eccentric.

But the two have one thing in common: winning.

“Coach Johnson is a really relaxed guy. He does have his rules and does hold us to a standard and we always try to reach that standard for him,” said right-handed pitcher Duane Underwood, who played 22 games under Johnson at Low-A Kane County (Ill.) last season. “Every single player in that locker room is excited to play for him and we’re ready to get going.”

Johnson brings with him a long list of accolades. He led Kane County to a Midwest League championship and the best record in minor league baseball while also being named as the 2014 Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America.

But he wants to forge a new legacy in Myrtle Beach. And while Johnson had never visited the city before, he’s eager to call it his new home.

“I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, but any time you’re in a town where there’s so much to do and so much to enjoy – obviously we spend a ton of time here at the ballpark – but it’s exciting,” said Johnson, who played eight seasons in the majors. “We’ve got a good group of guys and look forward to getting after it.”

The Pelicans open their season Thursday as they host the Wilmington Blue Rocks at 7:05 p.m., and Johnson is already preaching his philosophies.

“[I’m teaching] just how to go by the business, how to get prepared, how to take on a daily routine and how to play the game the Cubs’ way,” Johnson said. “The Cubs’ way is running balls out, respecting the game and doing the right things on and off the field.”

Like Underwood, outfielder Mark Zagunis enjoyed playing under Johnson. He’s expects it to be no different in Myrtle Beach.

“He’s an awesome guy, I haven’t met a single person that doesn’t enjoy playing for him,” Zagunis said. “He’s definitely a player’s coach, but he’s definitely a serious guy when he has to be. I got to play with him and most of his coaching staff up in Kane County for the last month of the season and it was a blast; they’re a lot of fun to play for.”

The players and staff are already comfortable with each other, and are eager to start a long, tedious season.

“We’re one big family here,” said Underwood, the 10th ranked prospect in the Cubs’ organization by Baseball America. “We’ve got a lot of the guys from last year and everyone is already starting to gel. We’ve got a good locker room and personally, I feel like we can do anything that is in our way.”

The Pelicans have made it to the Carolina League playoffs the last four seasons, including a 3-1 series loss to the Potomac Nationals in the Mills Cup Championship last year. Johnson wants to continue the success and hopes to bring a title to Myrtle Beach.

“[I have the] ultimate confidence. Just like them,” Johnson said of himself and a squad that includes 19 of his former players. “They know what to do; they know how to prepare. They take care of themselves and we’re just ready to get started.”

Pelicans president and general manager Andy Milovich is also eager to get things rolling in a new era of Pelicans baseball under Johnson.

“Mark has a tremendous reputation. First, on the field as a player coming up and reaching the big leagues. But as a manager, his reputation is second to none,” Milovich said. “To get the minor league manager of the year and bring him into town as a part of the Cubs’ affiliation with the young talent we have is a pretty special thing. We’re very excited about it.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2015 at 2:24 PM with the headline "Johnson brings new character, same winning pedigree to Myrtle Beach Pelicans."