MIAMI — Thursday promises to be one of the greatest days of Daniel Stuart Johnson’s life.
Shortly before the Rockies open their 2019 season here at Marlins Park, the entire team — players, manager, coaches, trainers, and clubhouse attendants — will line up along the first base line to be introduced. For the first time in his career, Johnson, 29, will be a part of that grand baseball tradition.
He’ll be easy to spot. The right-handed reliever stands 6-foot-4, weighs 230 pounds and has a beard that would make a lumberjack proud. He’ll wear No. 63.
Not so easy to ascertain will be the emotions churning inside him.