The Boston Red Sox called upon the left arm of Brian Johnson on Memorial Day Weekend in 2017, and he didn’t miss his shot at making the best of it.
When it comes to pitching the Red Sox aren’t often credited with the development of homegrown talent. I can’t really go against that notion as all you have to do is check the history books to back that claim up. They have however had some strong pitchers come through the ranks that have done some wondrous things. On Memorial Day Weekend in 2017, Brian Johnson added his name to that list.
Now, if you were to poll members of Red Sox Nation about their feelings on BJ, I’m not sure you’d get the most positive outcome. The lefty has had some mixed results over the years but his propensity to give up the walk while letting runs come across the board has given him a negative review. I’m one of those in the other camp that sees what he’s doing on the mound as well as the potential that he’s always had and wants to see those two paths cross.
MDW 3 years ago...
— Red Sox (@RedSox) May 24, 2020
Brian Johnson made his Fenway debut with a complete game shutout! pic.twitter.com/SLwOVuvXuV
The closes we’ve seen him come to that moment came on Memorial Day Weekend in 2017. Johnson was once again a spot call-up to give the Red Sox a boost during some tough times. This time things were a bit different though and something special was in the air. Not only was it Memorial Day Weekend, but it would also be Johnson’s debut at Fenway Park.
At the moment, The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham was able to capture the magic of that day and the excitement in BJ’s words could be felt. Before we can get to the celebration, we’ve gotta get to the game.
By this point in the season, the Red Sox were at 26-21 and didn’t have much going on. That is until Brian Johnson got the phone call to head to Boston. Though he made his Major League debut all the way back in 2015, this would be his first chance to take the mound at Fenway Park, and he didn’t waste it.
"“You always want to come up here and do well,” Johnson said. “Obviously there’s some stuff I’ve gone through in my career. It’s an awesome feeling.”"
Seattle was in town and wasn’t off to the hottest start at 21-28 either. I’m sure they were chomping at the bit to get their bats going against a pitcher who had all but given up on the game, they were wrong. This was one of those days where all of the stars lined up just right and magic happened.
BJ took the mound with the poise and confidence of a veteran and mowed down the competition like they were nothing. On this afternoon, over this Memorial Day Weekend, Johnson was unstoppable and held the Mariners to just five hits on the afternoon.
Those five hits were all singles with just one of the batters making their way to second base. Not a single Mariner crossed the plate nor did they earn a free pass to the base paths.
That’s right, Red Sox Nation, the southpaw went out there and did the damn thing to shutout Seattle. Over those nine innings, he would also strike out eight batters while getting some great defensive help from his teammates.
If you know anything about this story you know it wasn’t all a Cinderella tale. BJ didn’t find that glass glove that fit just right to have the storybook Major League career. In fact, it was the opposite. Not long after completing his shutout of the Mariners Johnson would be informed by John Farrell that he’d be heading back down to Pawtucket.
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Johnson was there to fill a gap in the rotation until David Price was healthy enough to make his return and that time had come. If you had just once chance to get a start at Fenway Park for the Red Sox, this sure as hell was one way to go about it. Unfortunately as romantically as we talk about baseball it’s still a business and things don’t always go as we’d hope.
BJ was a recent guest on Barstool Sports’ “Section 10 Podcast,” where he talked about numerous topics, this game included. To hear him speak about that day three years later with so much love and happiness is what’s good about this game. Even with his instant demotion, he will always have that memory with his family and friends for the rest of their lives.
"“Today I went nine innings, pretty cool,” he said. “I didn’t think about it until after the game.”"
Fast forward to 2020 and due to some serious roster shuffling, Johnson has a serious chance at making the main roster. Not just as a bullpen relief option either, he has a good chance at being in the starting rotation. Chris Sale is on the shelf while David Price and Rick Porcello are gone, the door is wide open for BJ to take his shot.
Memorial Day is about remembering and giving thanks to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. One of those freedoms is the ability to take our talents and raise them to their highest abilities. Brian Johnson gave a giant thanks to those that served and were lost by taking his opportunity and making the most of it.