The Morton School Board approved a proposal to rename the high school baseball field after former Morton teacher and coach Jim Johnson on Monday.
Morton Schools Athletic Director Lee Metcalf and East County Journal Sports Editor Chris Johnson made the request to the Morton School District on Sept. 13. The district then put out a call for public comment ahead of the school board’s regular Oct. 24 meeting.
Johnson taught at Morton schools from 1967 to 1997, coaching baseball, basketball and football at the district. During his 27-year tenure as Morton High School’s head baseball coach, Jim Johnson’s teams went 290-214, posting a .575 winning percentage. According to Metcalf and Chris Johnson, Jim Johnson’s baseball teams one six league championships, six district championships and one state championship, which was won in 1987.
Jim Johnson was inducted into the Washington Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
During his 30-year tenure as a freshmen, junior varsity and varsity basketball coach in Morton, Jim Johnson’s teams went 396-190 posting a .676 winning percentage.
Superintendent John Hannah wrote in his recommendation to the school board ahead of Monday’s vote, “I support this proposal, both for board review and approval. During my time in Morton, I have heard so many positive comments and stories about Jim Johnson that this action would honor such a person who gave and accomplished so much. Also, Jim Johnson exemplifies the attributes and characteristics that we want in our students and staff.”
