NILES — Max Johnson is quick to point out that his most comfortable spot on the baseball diamond is between second and third base. He’s played shortstop the majority of his baseball career and he calls it his “natural position.”

Still, Johnson is even quicker to point out that his most comfortable position in life is on a diamond – anywhere on a baseball diamond – so in that regard he is more than willing to accept the role as a utility player.

“I don’t really care where I’m at, as long as I’m playing,” Johnson said. “Outfield, infield, batting right, batting left, it doesn’t matter because I just want to be out there playing ball. And I feel like I can contribute regardless of where I’m at on the field. I feel comfortable at any position.”

Johnson has already displayed his versatility during his first week with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Though listed on the roster as a shortstop, the Mason, native manned first base in the Scrappers’ season opener. In the second game of the season, he was defending third base.

“I just feel like the more you can do, the more versatile you are, the better your chances are to contribute and to continue your career,” Johnson said.

Johnson is a 2021 graduate of Mason High School. As a senior he earned all-state honors and was rated the No. 13 overall prospect and the No. 2 shortstop in Ohio.

Following his stellar high school career, Johnson spent his freshman year of college at Indiana before transferring to Rice. He was a mainstay with the Owls for the past three seasons. He recently completed his collegiate career, and graduated with a degree in sports management.

While Johnson primarily played shortstop at Rice, he also served as a utility man when called upon. Over the course of his time with the Owls, he played every position with the exception of pitcher and catcher.

“I’ll play anywhere, anytime as long as it means I get to be on the field,” Johnson said. “I feel like I proved myself at shortstop here last summer. Now if I have to show that I can be a versatile player, that’s a bonus. I look at myself as sort of a Swiss army knife that can do it all.”

Johnson played with the Scrappers during the first half of the 2024 season. He appeared in 24 games, starting 21 at shortstop. He batted .316 with 11 RBIs.

“It was a great experience last summer, and I was anxious to come back again this year,” Johnson said. “This is a great league, it provides a great opportunity to showcase your talents against some of the best competition out there.”

With his collegiate career now in the books, Johnson is eligible to play the entire year with the Scrappers. He says his future is “up in the air” based on the outcome of the July MLB Draft.

Regardless, Johnson’s degree in sports management – and his deep love for baseball – will keep him involved in the game in some capacity. He says that beyond his playing days, he envisions a future which includes coaching at some level.

“I’ve always seen myself as a student of the game, and at some point I’d love to teach the game,” Johnson said. “Right now I just want to take advantage of this opportunity to continue my playing career with the hope of reaching that next level.”

TRENTON 11, MAHONING VALLEY 9

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers’ Opening Day victory occurred just one week ago, but it must feel like it’s been an eternity for the team and their fans.

Since the win, the Scrappers have endured three rainouts and three losses.

The latest setback occurred Wednesday as the Trenton Thunder surrendered a six-run lead, only to rally with three runs in the ninth to secure an 11-9 win over the Scrappers in front of 2,165 fans at Eastwood Field.

Trenton scored three first-inning runs and eventually built an 8-2 lead.

Scrappers starter Terry Hayes walked a batter, hit a batter and threw two wild pitches in the top of the first, leading to a Trenton 3-0 lead. The Scrappers also committed a fielding error in the inning.

The Scrappers scored single runs in the first and second innings to cut their deficit to 3-2, however the Thunder answered with five straight runs to push their lead to 8-2.

Trailing 8-3, the Scrappers sent 10 men to the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring six runs. The Scrappers pounded out six base hits in the frame, and also swiped five bases.

The Scrappers recorded 14 hits, including a five-hit night for designated hitter Daniel Stewart in what was his Scrappers debut. Stewart went 5-for-5 with three RBI.

Keegan Rodin, Ty Powell and Trey Fenderson also each had a pair of hits for the Scrappers.

Hayes surrendered eight hits and eight runs in four innings of work. However relievers Brady Fuller and Seth Graham-Pippin kept the Thunder off the scoreboard and without a hit through four innings to give the Scrappers a 9-8 lead entering the ninth.

Trenton then scored three runs off of Youngstown State product JJ Tylicki. The inning included two walks, two hits, two stolen bases, a wild pitch and a passed ball.

The Scrappers were retired in order in the bottom of the ninth on three strikeouts.

The Scrappers and Thunder conclude their three-game series tonight at 7:05.