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May 29, 2024ST. JOSEPH, Mo.

Johnson returns to dugout for Mustangs' Opening Night

Matt Johnson will manage the Mustangs on Wednesday night.

With Johnny Coy away, Matt Johnson returns to manage the Mustangs for the first time since 2017. (Photo courtesy St. Joseph Mustangs)

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The St. Joseph Mustangs will take the field in tonight's season opener at Phil Welch Stadium with a hall of fame manager in the dugout.

Matt Johnson will don a St. Joseph uniform for the first time since he stepped away seven years ago to guide the Mustangs against the Baldwin City Blues.

"It's kind of a surreal feeling to be hopping in the car knowing that I'm not just going up to watch a game and enjoy the crowd and atmosphere," Johnson said, "but I get a chance to feel it from inside the dugout and inside the locker room."

Johnson coached the Mustangs since their inception in 2009 through 2017, producing a 317-155 record with four MINK League titles.

Current Mustangs manager Johnny Coy is also the head baseball coach at Benton High School in St. Joe, and his Cardinals are battling for a state championship.

It also gives Johnson the chance to coach his son, Jase.

"It's going to be a pretty cool experience."

Jase Johnson pitched for the Mustangs late last year after graduating high school, and spent the spring pitching for Scottsdale Community College.

"Just being able to sit back and watch him have a ton of success in his first year down at Scottsdale Community College, and possibly have the opportunity to hand him the baseball at the end of the game is definitely a moment I'm hoping happens tonight."

St. Joseph faces the Baldwin City Blues at 7pm.

Benton will play in the Class 4 State Championship Thursday at 1pm. Coy will return to the Mustangs in time for Friday's game against Chillicothe.