SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Recent Gustavus graduate Christian Johnson (Buffalo) signed a rookie contract with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball on Friday. Johnson is the third Gustie in the past four years to sign a professional baseball contract as Adam Stockwell ’19 and Cole Pengilly ’21 also played for the Canaries – Stockwell in 2019 and Pengilly has been on the roster since 2021.
Johnson made his professional debut with the Canaries on Friday night, tossing 5.1 innings of relief. He allowed three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts. Pengilly, who is now reunited with Johnson as teammates, hit a home run during Johnson’s debut, his second of the season.
“This opportunity means a lot to me and knowing that all the hard work and everything I put into this is paying off over the last five years,” Johnson said. “I’m just really excited for this opportunity and I’m going to try and have fun and enjoy it. I’m excited to get to play with Cole again and begin this journey.”
Johnson finished his Gustavus career last week, helping the Gusties win the 2019 MIAC regular season championship and twice reach the MIAC playoff championship game (2019 and 2022). During his five seasons on the team, Johnson accumulated a 3.51 career ERA in 133.1 innings with a 14-8 record. He made 28 starts and 33 appearances with 143 strikeouts compared to 84 walks with a .243 opponent batting average. His 143 career strikeouts are fourth most in the Gustavus record books and his 28 starts are seventh most in program history. Johnson’s 14 victories are ninth most in the Gustavus record books.