Winnipeg Goldeyes add first local player in more than a decade

For the first time in 13 years the Winnipeg Goldeyes have a Winnipeg-born player on their roster.

The baseball club added Winnipeg’s Ryan Johnson on Wednesday. The 26-year-old left-handed pitcher signed his first pro contract after he recently finished his college career at Lubbock Christian University.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Goldeyes sign pitcher, first baseman

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Johnson was 13-2 with a 2.54 earned run average in 16 starts as a senior. He was voted the Heartland Conference’s 2019 Pitcher of the Year after he struck out 117 batters. He also played for Team Manitoba in 2009 as a member of the provincial under-17 team.

Johnson is expected to make his pro debut later on Wednesday as he is scheduled to start in game two of their three-game series with the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

The last Winnipeg-born player to suit up for the Goldeyes was pitcher Donnie Smith before he retired following the 2006 season.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Goldeyes bolster infield with addition from Minnesota Twins’ organization

The Goldeyes also announced pitcher Jack Charleston was traded to the Can-Am League’s Quebec Capitales for a player to be named later.