Dave Johnson led the Ephrata High School baseball program in Ephrata, Washington, from 1971 until his retirement in 2006. Over 36 seasons, he compiled a career coaching record of 687-201-2 (.772), including 20 seasons with 20 or more victories. His 687 wins are the most by any high school coach in Washington state history.
In his 36 years as head baseball coach, Johnson guided the Tigers to 28 state tournament appearances, with his teams outscoring their opponents 489-239. His teams combined for 25 league championships, 20 district championships, 16 regional championships and eight Washington high school state titles.
After Johnson led the Tigers to the school’s first boys’ state title in 1977 with a 28-2 record, the 1980s marked a “Decade of Dominance” at Ephrata, with Johnson’s teams at the center of the success. During this period, they captured eight-consecutive league titles from 1980 to 1987, and a ninth in 1989. In addition, they secured 10 district championships, eight regional titles, and claimed state championships in 1981, ’82, ’83, ’85, ’87, and ’89.
Johnson was named the North Central Washington’s Male Team Coach of the Decade for the 1980s and was the initial recipient of the Washington State Small School Coach of the Year, an award that now bears his name.
For his efforts and dedication to the Ephrata Baseball program, Johnson was honored by having the baseball stadium at Ephrata High School named after him along with fellow coach Marty O’Brien.
He is a member of the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association Hall of Fame, an inaugural member of the Ephrata High School Hall of Fame, and a charter member of the Washington Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Following his retirement from Ephrata, Johnson was an assistant coach for the Columbia Basin River Dogs Sr. Babe Ruth team for 12 years. The River Dogs made eight Sr. Babe Ruth World Series appearances with Johnson on staff and took home the Sr. Babe Ruth World Series title in 2015.
For 32 years, Johnson and his business partner Marty O’Brien ran T.B.I. Baseball Camps, which were four-week, live-in camps for kids ages 8-18.
Johnson graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington, before continuing his education at Whitworth University (formerly Whitworth College), also in Spokane. While at Whitworth, he played on the Pirates baseball team and earned a degree in history and political science.
After college, Johnson took a position teaching history at Ephrata. In addition to his teaching and baseball coaching duties, Johnson also served as an assistant basketball coach.
