Bishop Verot grad relishes chance to play at JetBlue Park

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Braves’ Third-Baseman and Bishop Verot graduate Chris Johnson had quite the cheering section at Tuesday’s game at JetBlue Park.

He had about 20 friends and family cheering him on during the Braves game against the Red Sox. Johnson said being in Fort Myers makes him feel like a kid again.

“A lot of memories,” said Johnson. “You’re working on your swing, and your approach and you’re so focused. So when [my friends and family] are here, it’s nice. I can just have fun, and it helps you relax a little.”

Last May, Johnson signed a three-year extension with the Braves worth $23.5 million.

“Since the day he was born, the only thing he’s ever wanted to do is be a professional ball player,” said his mother, Karen Johnson-Crowther, who was one of several immediate-family at the game on Tuesday.

“To have him back in town, it means a lot to me, and it means a lot to our family,” said Johnson-Crowther.

Usually the biggest stars don’t travel to away games, but Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, went out of his way to make sure Johnson made the trip.

“We’ve always made it a point to look around the schedule with him, for him to come down and be in front of his mom, so I always accommodate him.”

Johnson went 0-for-3 in his return to Fort Myers, but his Braves did get the win 11-3.