Son of slain Draper officer throws out first pitch for the Bees


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SALT LAKE CITY — Bensen Johnson, the son of Draper police officer Derek Johnson, was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Salt Lake Bees faced the Omaha Storm Chasers in Game 3 of the Pacific Coast League Finals on Friday. Officer Johnson was shot and killed in the line of duty Sept. 1.

Baseball is a game enjoyed by many, but it is traditionally a special bonding time between father and son.

On Friday night, as the Bees prepared for Omaha, Bensen Johnson prepared for his first baseball game without his dad.

Bensen went to a Bees game last year with his family, but that seems a world away after his father was shot and killed on Sept. 1.

So when the Bees called to invite Bensen and his whole family to tonight's game, the franchise had one more surprise up their sleeve.

"We kinda kept it a secret from him until we got here," said Desirae Johnson, Bensen's aunt.

That's when Bensen found out that the Bees wanted him to throw the first pitch.

"Everything's a surprise. Everyone is being amazing and very heartfelt," said Shante' Johnson, Bensen's mother.

Twenty minutes before the pro's took the field, Bensen strutted out, making sure to jump over the baseline.

His throw went right down the middle.

Bensen then proceeded to some choice seats to enjoy a blue raspberry ICEE, some nachos and a few hours of America's favorite pastime.

"He was very excited. It's nice to kind of feel normal for a minute after everything that's happened in the past week and a half," Desirae Johnson said.

The family of Sgt. Derek Johnson said they've been overwhelmed by the show of support over the past two weeks.

If you'd like to help the Johnson family, visit mydadsahero.com

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Andrew Wittenberg

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