Success was synonymous with the Texas A&M baseball team when Mark Johnson was at the helm.
The legendary coach will return to Olsen Field for the first time in four years today when Sam Houston State plays No. 16 Texas A&M. Johnson is in his third season with the Bearkats.
“We are looking forward to him coming in,” A&M Head Coach Rob Childress said. “Coach Johnson is a living legend, both in college baseball and here at Texas A&M. I’m honored to have him back.”
Johnson coached the Aggies for 21 years before athletic director Bill Byrne fired him in May 2005. He has the record for most wins by an A&M head coach with 876 and coached the Aggies to three Southwest Conference Championships and two Big 12 Championships.
A&M advanced to the NCAA post season in 13 of Johnson’s 21 seasons, but never won a College World Series title. Johnson took the Aggies to the World Series in 1993 and 1999, but finished in fifth and seventh respectively.
After Johnson was fired, he continued to help A&M by transitioning Childress in as the head coach.
“He’s obviously an incredible baseball coach, but he’s an even better human being and a better man,” Childress said. “He’s not been just a friend to me but a mentor. I’m honored to call him a friend, and he’s been more than helpful to me since the day I got here at Texas A&M.”
On the field, the Aggies face another must win game to continue working toward receiving a bid to host an NCAA Regional Tournament. In 2008, the first time Johnson coached against A&M since leaving, the Aggies survived a late rally to beat the Bearkats 13-9.
“Every game we play is important from an RPI standpoint, and for making sure we deserve the opportunity to host come postseason,” Childress said. “I know Sam Houston has been playing well, and it ought to be a great night Tuesday.”
When and whereTexas A&M vs. Sam Houston State 6:35 p.m., today at Olsen Field.