Ron Johnson introduces his team, some of whom would play in Boston, during a workout in McCoy Stadium, in Pawtucket, early in the season.

The Providence Journal / Ruben W. Perez

BOSTON — When the Red Sox clinched a postseason berth Tuesday night at Fenway Park, Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson and Portland Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler stood in a hallway outside the clubhouse while the players celebrated inside with champagne, beer and cigars.

They both know celebrations are for the players and they were respectful to wait outside.

Both minor-league skippers were invited by Red Sox manager Terry Francona to join the big-league club for the final three weeks of the season to serve as bench coaches and help with daily baseball activities.

Having Johnson and Beyeler here serves two purposes: One, it’s kind of a merit raise for a job well done during their respective seasons. Both Portland and Pawtucket reached the postseason. And two, it gives them a chance to experience the majors from the bench, something that can’t be felt during spring training.

“When Tito extends an invitation to join his club for the last three weeks, it’s special to me,” said Johnson. “It kind of makes me feel like ‘job well done,’ and I did what I was supposed to do this year.”

Best known as “RJ,” Johnson has been in the Red Sox organization for nine years, including two in Single A, three at Double A and four in Triple-A Pawtucket.

Beyeler has been with the Sox for eight seasons, including six at Single A and the last two with Double-A Portland.

Both have been instrumental in preparing the Sox’ prospects for the big leagues, and many players in Boston have played for Johnson and Beyeler, including Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jed Lowrie and Jon Lester.

When asked how it has been to have both guys on board for the final few weeks of the season, Francona was elated. The Red Sox manager realizes how important the minor-league field staff is to the success of his club.

“It’s good,” said Francona. “We’ve enjoyed having them around. It’s fun talking baseball and getting to know them a little bit better. It’s been enjoyable, and I think they’ve enjoyed it also.”

Johnson is outgoing, while Beyeler is a little more reserved.

They’ll throw batting practice to the early group of September call-ups, and they’ll help around the clubhouse. Mostly they’re just enjoying the experience.

“I throw [BP] a couple of times and I kill the spread,” Johnson joked. “I always take it as a pat on the back. Last year, we had guys contribute to win a World Series championship, but this year we have so many players who were in Pawtucket, so it’s phenomenal.”

It’s a tradition for big-league managers to invite minor-league staffers in September. Francona believes it’s an invaluable experience.

“I think it’s important to have the Triple-A manager here because there are so many of his guys here,” Francona said. “RJ does a great job, but I think it’s important for those guys to see major-league games for evaluation purposes. It’s very important.”

The PawSox and Sea Dogs both enjoyed successful seasons, but were both ousted in the first round of the playoffs. It’s not always about winning and losing in the minors; it’s all about development. The Red Sox’ farm system is strong and has a lot of depth, too.

In fact, four of their minor-league affiliates reached the postseason this year.

“This organization is unique,” Johnson said. “If you look at one organization today, since new ownership took over, we’ve got to be the people everybody is trying to beat.”

Obviously the Sox’ celebration lasted a long time Tuesday, long enough for Johnson and Beyeler to finally join the party. It didn’t take long for the players to involve the two in the festivities.

After all, Johnson and Beyeler have been contributors in Boston’s championship success.

That’s why they’re here.

Next Game

Today

vs. New York

3:55

jmcdonal@projo.com