Another Baby Ruth : Johnson Evokes Images of Burroughs and Dunlap

Four years ago, Sean Burroughs of Long Beach became America’s darling at the Little League World Series, the son of a former major leaguer whose Baby Huey body could hit and pitch a baseball better than any kid alive.

Two years ago, Nathaniel Dunlap of Northridge took the spotlight, a typical boy in so many ways, an atypical ballplayer in so many others. Dunlap unleashed 75 mph fastballs, and a nation fawned.

This week, the world will meet Erik Johnson of Moorpark, a boy who plays the game with confidence, with grace, and, in the compressed arena of a Little League field, greatness.

His team qualified for the World Series by winning three games Friday at the Western Regional, and the accomplishment was a collective effort.

But those who watch Moorpark for five minutes find their eyes on the player called E.J.

Whether he is roaming center field like a leopard, tearing around the bases in long, lithe strides, or standing at the plate daring a pitcher to throw anything remotely close to a strike, Johnson’s athleticism is striking.

“E.J. has all the qualities of a great ballplayer,” said Cal Lutheran Coach Marty Slimak, whose son, Taylor, plays in the Moorpark Little League. “Some kids are dominant at 12 simply because they are bigger than everyone else, but Erik has tremendous ability to go along with his size.”

Johnson is batting over .700 in 22 tournament games and has hit 12 home runs. At the regional, he was nine for 18 with four homers and 13 runs batted in. He scored 10 runs and drew 14 walks--nine intentional.

The pressure of delivering on the field doesn’t faze him. He relishes being interviewed by print and television reporters. But those intentional walks. Grrrr. . . .

“It shows respect and that’s cool and all, but, c’mon, this is Little League,” he said. “It’s supposed to be fun for the kids. Being walked is no fun at all.”

Pearl City, Hawaii, walked Johnson intentionally five times in a row over two games before pitching to him with the bases loaded. The Hawaiians’ worst nightmare was realized: He drove a pitch on a line to the opposite field that was still rising when it cleared the fence for a grand slam.

Similar heroics at Williamsport will make E.J. a household name for a solid week. With his muscular physique, outgoing personality and silver stud earring, he possesses undeniable charisma.

Talk-show hosts might want to start booking him early.

“E.J. will talk your ear off,” said Gary Sharpe, Moorpark assistant coach.

Some close to him are becoming protective, however. No matter what he looks like, no matter what he hits like, Johnson is a boy who turned 13 last Friday. (As long as players are 12 as of July 31, they are eligible for Little League tournament play).

“Erik is 13 going on 20, mentally as well as physically,” said Nancy Hass, his coach during the regular season. “I have had many adult conversations with him. He is the most gifted kid I’ve ever seen.

“But I worry about him getting eaten up by the media [in Williamsport]. It doesn’t come out that often, but sometimes you can see that deep down he is a little kid.”

Johnson’s parents, Walt and Jane (yes, his father’s given name is Walter Johnson), are understandably proud and not too protective.

“He’s emotional, yet he’s mature,” Walt said. “We’re trying to help him keep things in perspective. But he has proven he can handle the pressure.”

Central to the Johnson family, which also includes Haley, 10, is their Christian faith.

“My church is important to me and so is school,” Johnson said. “I love school.”

Johnson, an honors student at exclusive Sierra Canyon school in Chatsworth, will begin eighth grade in the fall. He has not decided on a high school.

“People already ask us about that,” Walt said. “We’ve heard from a number of private schools that might offer him a scholarship, and Moorpark High wants him there.”

Not surprisingly, Johnson also is a top basketball player, and averaged about 25 points a game on a Moorpark traveling team last season. Walt played college basketball at Cameron (Ohio) State and coaches Erik’s youth team.

“I like baseball and basketball the same,” Erik said. “Whatever sport is in season, that’s the one I like best.”

Basketball helps develop what Walt believes is his son’s greatest athletic gift: keen eyesight.

“He can see things on the basketball floor and on the baseball field that others at his level can’t see,” Walt said. “As a hitter, he picks the ball up right off the pitcher’s hand.”

Johnson also pitches and he can be dominant. He is 17-2 this season and 5-0 in tournament play, but often lacks command of his pitches.

“E.J. is the hardest thrower and has the most movement on his pitches of any of our guys, but sometimes other guys are more consistent,” Manager Hector Garcia said.

Regardless of whether Johnson pitches this week, he will gain the admiration of countless fans.

“From the start, ever since T-ball, my dream has been to get here,” he said. “I think of myself as a team leader and a team player. I know we can make a strong showing and go all the way.”