Published On: March 1st, 2011

The Rochester Honkers Baseball Organization announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Kevin Johnson and infielder Reid Roper today for the 2011 season.  Both play at the University of Illinois, and will be first year Honkers.

Johnson, is a 6’3”, 210-pound sophomore from Midlothian, Ill, has had two starts for the Illini thus far this season, including the opening day nod.  Johnson boasts a 1-1 record, winning this past Friday against Florida Gulf Coast University, going five innings, while only allowing 2 runs on 3 hits.  In 9.2 innings pitched this season, Johnson holds a 1.93 ERA, with four strikeouts. 

As a freshman at Illinois, Johnson appeared in 13 games, all as a starter, finishing the season with a 5-2 record, the second-most wins by a freshman in school history.  His 56 strikeouts were the most on the Illini pitching staff.

Roper, is a 6’0”, 200-pound freshman from Harrisburg, Ill.  He was drafted as a catcher by the Atlanta Braves, in the 29th round in the 2010 Amateur Baseball draft.  Roper played all around the diamond in high school, and will come to the Honkers as an infielder.

The Rochester Honkers 18th season begins on June 1st when they travel to Mankato to play the MoonDogs. 

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