The scene: June 26, an estimated 6,500 people packed into Beiden Field. The agenda: A celebration of the Fresno State baseball team’s day-old national championship. The theme of the many speeches: Praise, praise, praise. Mainly for the Bulldogs who did the work with class and excellence, and for coach Mike Batesole who shouldered the burden of leadership with MacArthur-like calm and skill.
But just about everyone else remotely connected to the program also got their verbal pat on the back. Even campaigning politicians who muscled into the event.
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but no one thought to thank former Fresno State athletic director Scott Johnson. He was the one who hired Batesole.
“We’re getting a head coach with a proven winning record, a tremendous recruiting reputation in California and high integrity — all the ingredients I feel we needed,” Johnson said of Batesole in late May 2002 when Batesole’s hiring was announced.
The day will come when the Johnson-as-athletic-director era at Fresno State will get a sober reassessment.
Thank you to Scott Johnson???? I agree he made a good decision in hiring Batesole...but his bad decisions nearly sank the Bulldog Athletic ship. It will be suffering and paying for years to come thanks to Mr. Johnson! And, the City of Fresno better stay on top of it or they will be in the same boat! No thanks warranted or necessary! Thanks to the team and Coach Batesole for making little boys ( and girls) believe that dreams can come true.
anyone that was a part of the scott johnson era, knows better than to thank him.... we're more thankful to be rid of him.
Uh, Scott had lobbied hard for the Clemson coach, not Batesole. C'mon, George.