Pelicans' Johnson honored by Carolina League
Johnson, who joined the Pelicans as general manager before the 2007 season, was also honored as the Carolina League's Executive of the Year three times during a 17-year tenure as general manager of the Kinston Indians (1988, 1994, 2000). 2008 marked the 30th season in baseball for Johnson, who began his career working for Falwell as the business manager for the Lynchburg Mets in 1978.
"It is extremely gratifying to be honored with the Calvin Falwell Award, especially considering I got my start with him in Lynchburg," said Johnson. "It goes without saying that this is a team award for the Pelicans, and I am very proud to lead the best front office staff in Minor League Baseball."
During the season, the Pelicans established a new 10-year franchise attendance record, welcoming 242,397 fans to the ballpark. The club also hosted the highly successful 2008 California-Carolina League All-Star Game and All-Star Gala at Hard Rock Park. On the field, the Pelicans swept the first and second-half championships for the first time since 2000, established a new franchise wins record (89) and had more postseason All-Star selections (5) than any other CL team.
"When we brought North to Myrtle Beach, we knew we were getting one of the game's absolute best," said Pelicans' president and managing partner Chuck Greenberg. "His outstanding leadership has been essential to our growing momentum on the Grand Strand and will be a cornerstone of the heights we intend to reach in the future."
North was also named the California League Executive of the Year in 2005 during a three-year stint as general manager of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (2004-06). He currently resides in Myrtle Beach with his wife, Anita, and daughter, Taylor (15). His son, Stephen, recently started his freshman year at East Carolina University.