Hometown Hero Award clinched by Washington Nationals Davey Johnson-MLB Update
D.C. Chamber of Commerce privileges Washington Nationals’ manager, Davey Johnson with a Hometown Hero Award.
It is an acknowledgment of a tremendous success that the Nationals had in the 2012 major league season under his supervision. Earlier, Johnson also clinched manager of the year award.
This year has been amazing for Johnson in many ways. He jelled together a team, which consists of youth and the individuals coming from various backgrounds.
He made all the players pursue a single goal, which was winning as many games for Washington as possible.
He stood up for his players when it was needed. He never shied away from walking up to them and telling what best they can do to improve.
Above all, Johnson is credited with letting the two emerging stars of the Nationals have a smooth major league journey without hiccups.
Certainly, both Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg owe their status as being the legends in the making to Johnson in some ways.
For example, skipper hardly asked Johnson to throw more than six innings during the last season, which was an indication of the care that he was according to him.
It was done purposefully by him, because the increase in burden on Strasburg may have affected his effectiveness.
Similarly, during the time of slump of the outfielder Harper, Johnson did not shatter his confidence by sending him to the Minor League.
Although the circumstances may have permitted such a treatment, he resisted. He kept providing Harper with at-bats. Eventually, Harper rewarded the faith and began hitting consistently.
Fortunately for Washington, Johnson has not grown complacent after the regular season success in 2012. He is aware of the weak-areas and determined to overcome them before the beginning of the next season.
While addressing the group of businessmen and the fans, Johnson reiterated his commitment to bring World Series crown for Washington.
"I've got a great group of guys out there at Nationals Park, and if you think this last year was a good year, let me tell you something -- we have a higher ceiling than last year," Johnson said. "Next year is going to be my last year, and I'm going to go
out with my fourth World Series ring."
It will be interesting to see the strategy that Johnson follows to achieve success next year.
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