*This article originally appeared on Saskatchewan Dugout Stories on March 4. You can read it here.

March 7, 2024

By Joe McFarland

Saskatchewan Dugout Stories

Baseball’s offseason always feels far too long for Amy Johnson, but it’s felt even longer heading into the 2024 season.

The Saskatoon product has been champing at the bit to get back onto the field and get ready for the possibility of representing Canada at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Even though the 21-year-old has been on Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team roster for the last two seasons, Johnson isn’t assuming anything yet.

“Playing in the World Cup would be a dream come true,” she told Saskatchewan Dugout Stories. “It’s the highest level in the sport I love and it would be such a great opportunity that I would remember forever.”

Johnson will be among 42 athletes heading to Ottawa in early July for the national team selection camp, all vying for the 20 Team Canada roster spots.

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Before they even set foot on the field, Johnson and her potential teammates were able to take part in virtual meetings over the winter.

Led by manager Anthony Pluta and his coaching staff, the sessions were aimed at player development, mental skills sessions and strength and conditioning programming.

Johnson says the sessions were also helpful in creating a team dynamic and comradery.

“You get to check in with everyone a few times a month, get so many resources and chat with any of the coaches at any time,” she said. “It’s nice because they all have so much experience and so many things to teach you.”

The 2022 Baseball Sask Female Athlete of the Year has also been busy in the gym during the winter, hoping to gain strength and stamina to stay healthy during what will undoubtedly be a busy season.

“I’ve been working lots on the mound, trying to fine-tune my mechanics and work on my different pitches,” she said.

Aside from her preparation for the Women’s National Team, Johnson plans to play with the Saskatoon Armadillos during the season before heading to Team Saskatchewan for the Women’s and 21U National Championships.

MAPLE LEAF DEBUT

Johnson first burst onto the national scene during the 2022 Women’s National Championships in Stonewall, Man.

While Saskatchewan was held winless in the tournament, she was named to the national team, which faced the United States in a seven-game Friendship Series.

“I had no expectations going into nationals and being named to Team Canada afterwards really caught me by surprise,” Johnson said. “It was such a great feeling knowing that all of my hard work had finally paid off.”

The 5-foot-7 hurler made quite the first impression in her debut, pitching an inning of scoreless relief in the series opener.

“Putting that jersey on for the first time and looking at myself was such a crazy feeling that I will never forget,” she smiled.

Johnson returned to the national team in 2023, pitching in two games during the World Cup qualifiers, striking out five batters in two innings of work while recording one save.

THIRD YEAR’S A CHARM

National Team assistant coach Ashley Stephenson says she expects this year’s team to once again be “young and scrappy,” which has become a trademark for the Canadian contingent.

Johnson likes that attitude and says it makes for a fun, comfortable atmosphere in the dugout.

“Everyone can joke around with each other, but then everyone also knows when it’s time to be serious,” she said. “The girls are always there to pick you up when you need it.”

Johnson says having a couple of veterans on the roster helps keep the standard of excellence high, teaching the young players about expectations individually and as a team.

Heading into her third year with the team, the right-hander knows she will be leaned on for more leadership.

“I would like to be seen as someone the coaches and players can rely on to go into a game, throw strikes and get outs,” Johnson said. “I’ve been out of the bullpen for the team, so being able to have them rely on me in crucial situations and games is big.”

Should she make the team again in 2024, Johnson is hoping to also make more memories playing the sport she loves.

It also isn’t lost on her that she could be representing the maple leaf and vying for a gold medal in the biggest tournament in women’s baseball.

“When the team performs well, it makes you happy because you know you are making a whole country proud,” Johnson said. “Getting to play against girls from all around the world last year was something I never expected to do in my life and it means a lot knowing I get to experience something that not a lot of people get to do.”

She may get that chance again when the Women’s Baseball World Cup begins July 28 against Mexico. See the full schedule here.