Shakopee Softball Coach Wins 500th Game

After 38 years as coach of the Shakopee softball team, Neil Johnson has won his 500th game in a 22-1 victory over Holy Angels.

Johnson is just the fifth softball coach in state history to reach the milestone.

“The game has certainly come a long way with players as young as 8 years old having full uniforms and matching bags now,” Johnson told the Star Tribune. “I have enjoyed teaching the game of fast-pitch softball to all levels and watching the eyes of players when something goes the way it was supposed to go."

Johnson has led the team to three state tournament appearances.

“I have been blessed with many athletes who just wanted to play the game and played hard doing it,” he told the paper.