Shakopee's softball team took to the field 38 years ago. The players' uniforms consisted of a jersey with only a number on the back, blue jeans and spikes.
The Sabres' coach then is the same man who is guiding them today, Neil Johnson. He recently won his 500th career game in a 22-1 victory over Holy Angels in the second game of a Missota Conference doubleheader. The Sabers also won the opener 8-0.
"The game has certainly come a long way with players as young as 8 years old having full uniforms and matching bags now," said Johnson, who is the fifth prep softball coach in state history to reach the 500-win plateau.
Two days after reaching the milestone, Shakopee wrapped up its fifth consecutive conference title by splitting a doubleheader at second-place Farmington. Johnson's squad entered its final regular season game of the season with an overall record of 17-2.
"I have enjoyed teaching the game of fast-pitch softball to all levels and watching the eyes of players when something goes the way it was supposed to go," Johnson said.
He has guided the Sabres to three state tournament appearances, the most recent coming in 2011.
"I have been blessed with many athletes who just wanted to play the game and played hard doing it."
Two schools accepted
Two schools from the disbanding Missota Conference have found a new home in familiar place.
