Kelly Johnson, well-known for his time with the Atlanta Braves, has had a dynamic career in Major League Baseball.
Initially drafted by the Braves in the first round of the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft, Johnson made his MLB debut with the team on May 29, 2005. His versatility on the field allowed him to play multiple positions, although he was primarily a second baseman.
Over the years, Johnson’s career saw him play for eight different teams, but his connection to the Braves remained strong. The team valued his experience and skill, evident when the New York Mets traded for him and later got activated from the disabled list by the Braves in 2015. Fans appreciated his contributions both on and off the field, quickly becoming a cherished figure in the Braves’ roster.
Beyond just stats and trades, Johnson’s personal feeling towards the Braves is noteworthy. He expressed this in an interview where he stated it felt like being a Brave was coming home. Such sentiment highlights the unique bond between Johnson and Atlanta, a bond that continued to resonate with fans even after his multiple team changes.
Who Is Kelly Johnson?
Kelly Johnson is a former professional baseball player known for his versatility on the field. He played for several teams and filled various positions during his MLB career.
Where Did Kelly Johnson Grow Up?
Kelly Johnson grew up in Austin, Texas. He attended Westwood High School, where he showcased his baseball talents early on.
Johnson’s skills on the field attracted attention and led to him being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 1st round of the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft from Westwood High School.
This early start set the stage for his successful career. At Westwood High School, Johnson excelled as an athlete, playing key roles in his team’s performance. His upbringing in Austin, where he developed a love for the game, was crucial in shaping his future.
Where Does Kelly Johnson Live?
Kelly Johnson currently resides in Atlanta. Throughout his career, Johnson maintained a strong connection to the city, having played for the Atlanta Braves multiple times. Even after his stints with other teams, Johnson returned to Atlanta.
Living in Atlanta allows him to stay connected with the local baseball community and be near the team where he had significant career moments. Atlanta’s vibrant sports culture and community continue to be a big part of Johnson’s life.
Who Is Kelly Johnson Married To?
Kelly Johnson is married to Lauren Johnson. Their relationship has been a supportive presence in his life, especially during his active playing years.
Lauren and Kelly have shared many memorable moments together, and their family life remains an integral part of Johnson’s post-baseball world.
Lauren’s support has been noted throughout Johnson’s career, particularly during the periods of trades and team changes. Together, they have built a life in Atlanta, balancing family and community involvement.
Kelly Johnson Baseball Career
Kelly Johnson had an extensive career in Major League Baseball (MLB). His journey included playing for several teams and many key positions. Here are the highlights of his time in baseball.
Where Did Kelly Johnson Play College Baseball?
Kelly Johnson played college baseball at the University of Texas. As a standout player, he drew the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his eventual selection in the 1st round of the MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves.
His performance in college showcased his potential, setting the stage for his professional career.
Did Kelly Johnson Play In The MLB?
Yes, Kelly Johnson played in MLB. He made his debut with the Atlanta Braves on May 29, 2005. Over his career, he played for eight teams including the Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets.
A versatile player, he held positions such as second baseman, third base, and outfield. He had a career batting average of .251, with 1,140 hits, 155 home runs, and 550 RBIs. Johnson was also known for his time with the Mets and the Braves, contributing significantly to both teams through various trades and transactions.
Did Kelly Johnson Coach College Baseball?
There is no record of Kelly Johnson coaching college baseball. His professional career focused on playing. After retiring, there were no significant announcements about him transitioning into a coaching role at the college level.
His main contributions to baseball have been through his performance as a player in Major League Baseball.
Did Kelly Johnson Coach In The MLB?
Kelly Johnson has not taken on a coaching role in MLB. Throughout his career, he remained focused on his playing duties and did not transition into coaching post-retirement.
Johnson’s legacy in MLB is primarily defined by his versatile playing positions and consistent performance rather than coaching roles. His expertise and experiences as a player contributed greatly to the teams he played for, but he hasn’t pursued a coaching career in the major leagues.
Kelly Johnson Professional Broadcasting Career
Kelly Johnson transitioned to broadcasting after his baseball career. He now covers baseball games, bringing his on-field insights to viewers.
What Network Has Kelly Johnson Previously Worked For?
Kelly Johnson started his broadcasting career with Fox Sports. His deep knowledge of baseball and relaxed demeanor made him a popular figure on the network.
While at Fox Sports, he primarily covered Major League Baseball (MLB) games. His work there set the stage for his future roles in baseball broadcasting.
What Network Is Kelly Johnson Currently Working For?
Currently, Kelly Johnson works for ESPN. At ESPN, he continues to cover MLB games. He also appears on various sports talk shows, providing analysis and commentary.
His role at ESPN allows him to reach a larger audience and further establish himself as a prominent baseball analyst.
Who Is Kelly Johnson Broadcast Partner?
Kelly Johnson often partners with Karl Ravech on ESPN broadcasts. Karl Ravech is a seasoned broadcaster with a long history at ESPN.
Together, they provide viewers with detailed game analysis and engaging commentary. Their chemistry and deep understanding of baseball enhance the viewing experience for fans.
Does Kelly Johnson Want To Cover The MLB?
Yes, Kelly Johnson has expressed a strong interest in continuing to cover MLB games. His passion for baseball is evident in his detailed analysis and enthusiastic commentary.
Kelly aims to bring a unique perspective to baseball broadcasting, leveraging his experience as a former player.
What Are Kelly Johnson Future Prospects?
Looking ahead, Kelly Johnson plans to expand his role at ESPN. He is exploring opportunities to host his own baseball analysis show.
Additionally, he is considering involvement with ESPN Radio. His goal is to diversify his career within the broadcasting industry while maintaining his focus on baseball.
Kelly Johnson Major Achievements And Awards
Kelly Johnson has received multiple awards for his broadcasting work. Notably, he won a Sports Emmy Award for his coverage of the MLB.
His insightful analysis and engaging commentary have earned him recognition within the industry. These achievements highlight his successful transition from player to broadcaster.
Similar Announcers To Kelly Johnson
Similar announcers include Alex Rodriguez and John Smoltz. Both Rodriguez and Smoltz are former MLB players who have successfully transitioned into broadcasting.
Like Kelly Johnson, they provide unique player insights and detailed game analysis, making them valuable assets to their respective networks.
Does Kelly Johnson Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Kelly Johnson is available for private speaking engagements. He often speaks at corporate events, sports conferences, and charity functions.
His talks typically focus on his baseball career, lessons learned on and off the field, and insights into the world of sports broadcasting.
Does Kelly Johnson Have A Podcast?
Kelly Johnson does not currently have a podcast. However, he has been a guest on several sports podcasts, where he shares his expertise and experiences.
Fans often request that he start his own podcast, considering his extensive knowledge of baseball and engaging personality.
What Is Kelly Johnson Net Worth?
Kelly Johnson, a former professional baseball player, has accumulated a significant net worth through his contracts and salary during his career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
How Much Is Kelly Johnson’s Contract For?
Kelly Johnson’s contracts over his MLB career have varied. In 2010, he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for $2.35 million after being non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves.
Later, Johnson signed a one-year contract worth approximately $2.45 million with the New York Yankees in 2014.
In 2015, he returned to the Braves with a one-year deal valued at around $1.5 million. His final major contract was with the New York Mets in 2016, adding substantially to his lifetime earnings.
How Much Does Kelly Johnson Make In Salary Per Year?
Throughout his career, Kelly Johnson’s annual salary fluctuated. In his early years with the Braves, Johnson earned a more modest salary, starting at about $327,000.
By 2012, his earnings climbed to roughly $6.38 million when he played for the Blue Jays. In 2014, with the Yankees, he received around $3 million annually.
Considering his contracts and performance bonuses, Kelly’s yearly salary varied significantly, reflecting his contributions to each team.