Gary Johnson wasn't notified in the usual manner.
The call from the Anaheim Angels came late. So late, in fact, that Salt Lake Stingers manager Mike Brumley couldn't call the outfielder into his Franklin Covey Field office and deliver the news face-to-face. Attempts to reach Johnson on the telephone also proved unsuccessful. The 27-year-old former BYU star wasn't home. He was at a Salt Lake hotel spending time with his parents, who were visiting from California.
So, because circumstances dictated it, Johnson didn't get word he'd been promoted to the big leagues for the first time until he returned to his apartment hours later. There, in the form of a message on the door, was the news: Johnson was going to the Show.
"I was in disbelief," Johnson said of his April call-up. "I was just so excited."
There was no time, however, to absorb the situation.
Johnson quickly caught a flight to Orange County, checked into an Anaheim hotel and soon found himself at Edison Field, where the Angels were preparing to face the Boston Red Sox.
"It was incredible — more so than just seeing my name on the jersey," Johnson said. "Everyone came by, shook my hand and congratulated me."
It was perfect, he added, a fantasy come true.
Johnson started in right that night and before taking the field was given a crash course in negotiating the stadium's shadows by veteran Tim Salmon. His initial trip to the plate produced a double on the first pitch he saw. And to top it off, Johnson's parents made the journey and watched from the stands.
"It was just a great experience," said Johnson, who provided quite an encore a night later when he singled off of Pedro Martinez in a Sunday night tilt on ESPN.
Such success, however, is mere icing on the cake. Just getting there is a meaningful.
"It's right up there with your first kiss," Brumley said. "It's a memorable thing for anybody."
Brumley, who spent parts of eight seasons in the major leagues before embarking upon a managerial career, made his debut in an afternoon game June 16, 1987, at Wrigley Field.
He recalls feeling numb as the events of his first day passed quickly. A good, positive, but nervous energy prevailed. The atmosphere, Brumley explained, was similar to a big high school football game on a Friday night.
"It's a big thrill," Brumley said. "Especially the first time."
Second impressions aren't bad, either. Stingers pitcher Mark Lukasiewicz, who has joined the Angels a couple of times since his first game May 11, 2001, at Detroit, insists it never gets old.
"That's the pinnacle," Lukasiewicz said. "Everybody wants to stay in the major leagues."
Few minor leaguers, though, stick on the big league roster the first time around. Of the 24 players currently on Salt Lake's roster, 16 have played in the majors. The constant shuffling, noted Lukasiewicz, makes those who make it appreciate it even more.
Johnson agrees. His first stint with the Angels consisted of five appearances and two starts. He batted .375 with three hits in eight at-bats.
"I don't think 'gosh I did it,' " said Johnson, who was sent back to Salt Lake earlier this month. "I want to be a guy that stays up there and contributes."
Though Johnson admits the empty feeling he carried of never making it while laboring in the minors is gone and a sense of accomplishment exists, there is still plenty of motivation. And it extends far beyond the first-class treatment extended to major leaguers.
"It's worth it," Johnson said of the hard work it takes to reach the profession's top level.
The main thing, Lukasiewicz added, is trying to stay focused.
It paid off for Angels reliever Brendan Donnelly. Before leading Anaheim with five World Series appearances, he spent 10 years in the minors with nine different organizations. He became a major league rookie at age 30.
Brumley enjoyed telling Donnelly that he'd finally made it.
It's an experience he hopes to share with all of the Stingers. Though delivering the message is different than receiving it, Brumley acknowledges both are rewarding.
"It's fun," he said of seeing players experience and get a taste of life in the big leagues.
The invitation is always welcome, as Johnson can attest, no matter how it's delivered.
"It's a great feeling," said Lukasiewicz.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com