When Hermosillo became Montgomery's coach in 1984, Johnson was the Aztecs' first baseman.
When Hermosillo's team scored a 3-0 South Bay League win yesterday over visiting Mater Dei, Johnson was in the other dugout coaching the Crusaders.
It was more than just another victory for Hermosillo, who became the San Diego Section's fifth coach to reach 500 wins.
“I was here for Manny's first win and here today,” Johnson said. “It's two different feelings, obviously. But my relationship with the Hermosillo family runs deeper than baseball.”
The Hermosillo family was on hand en masse. Two generations and then some.
“This is special because I was able to get this with all of my family being here,” said Hermosillo, whose career record is 500-203. “My wife (Rosario) has been with me every game, and you can't get much better than that.”
Even plate umpire Jim O'Hanlon hugged Hermosillo during the postgame jubilation.
“We don't have an umpire out there who doesn't love working Manny's games,” said Bob Merchant, assignment secretary for the umpires. “He's a credit to the game.”
Montgomery players didn't miss a chance to deliver the traditional drenching of their coach with the team water jug.
“It is an honor to be a part of this celebration,” senior right fielder Brandon Meredith said. “Baseball has been such a big part of Coach Hermosillo's life. It's great that we could help him reach this milestone.”
Montgomery began the season 6-6, but the Aztecs have won 10 of 11 to take a firm grip on first place.
Hermosillo, who teaches social science, has a collection of game balls for milestone wins – 1, 100, 200, 300, 400 and now 500.
“Actually, I was curious about the first (win) so I looked it up before (yesterday's) game,” said Hermosillo, noting it was 5-4 over La Jolla the second game of his career.
“I remember when we got 300. It was in 2000, the year we won (the section Division II title). We all thought that was a big deal. And then when we got 400 this current group of seniors was in the ninth grade. I remember kidding around with them saying, 'You guys are going to take me to .500.' It's something you say but never think it's going to come. Now that it has, wow, 500, wow, that's a lot.”
Though proud of his coaching record, Hermosillo clearly puts more emotional stock in the love he has for his players, assistant coaches and family.
Immediately after yesterday's win, Hermosillo and his wife hosted a carne asada feast for the team.
