March 22, 2011

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - After four years on active duty, former Navy baseball player Lt. Jonathan Johnston is currently in the Oakland A's Minor League Spring Training in Phoenix. Prior to reporting to camp with the A's franchise, Johnston prepared by playing in the independent California Winter League this past winter.

Johnston's action in the California Winter League this past winter was his first in a baseball uniform since June 2008 when he played for the Kane County Cougars (class A).

Johnston was selected by Oakland in the 42nd round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. His best season at Navy came as a senior when he hit .317 and swiped 35 bases for the Mids in 2006. The left-handed-hitting catcher appeared in 145 games for the Midshipmen.

Fans can follow Johnston with the A's this spring through his Major League bio page here.