The Merchants/Seals announce their first signing for the 2016 season - OF Austin "AJ" Johnson from the University of Nebraska.

Johnson, a native of Mountain View, CA has signed with the Merchants for the summer of 2016. Johnson is a true freshman outfielder at Nebraska under coach Darin Erstad. Last year, as a senior at Mountain View high school, Austin (otherwise known as “AJ” by his family and friends) hit .473 with 10 doubles, 17 RBI’s, 25 runs scored and had 17 stolen bases. He led the Central Coast Section (CCS) in both stolen bases and batting average. He was a four time All League 1st team selection and was selected as the San Jose Mercury and Palo Alto Daily News CCS Utility Player of the Year.

With Johnson, the Merchants/Seals pick up a speedy outfielder who can hit for average and get on base. He will most likey hit towards the top of the order for Alameda this summer. If he can come close to emulating what JR Davis (Oklahoma State) and Spencer Erdman (Loyola Marymount) have done in past seasons for the Merchants, plan on Alameda being involved in a lot of high scoring games!!

Glad to have you on board AJ!!!