Johnson understand his role in history. He hopes it motivates others, helping them realize that if you have the talent, the scouts will find you.

“It’s very memorable," Johnson said of his historic selection.

"I think other guys from public schools with me getting noticed and the exposure it will push them to want to do it because I was able to do it. It’s taken a lot of work ... but I don’t think I’m going to be the only guy. I don’t like how the gap is so big. Hopefully other guys follow in the footsteps (much sooner).”

Johnson came out of nowhere to become a prospect. He hit 91 mph on the gun for the first time during a travel-league game in Cleveland last summer.

He's consistently thrown high 80s to low 90s in his appearances this spring, which were limited due to wet weather and pitch count to watch the arm. He hit 92 mph in front of an Oakland Athletics scout during a game at Sahlen Field in the spring. In his penultimate appearance for the Macks, the Athletics' scout was joined by representatives from the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals and the Reds. Johnson went two innings and struck out five. In his last game, he went two innings, recording six strikeouts.