Description
Walter Johnson
Born: November 6, 1887 in Humboldt, Kansas
Died: December 10, 1946 (aged 59) in Washington, D.C.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 200 lbs.
Position: Pitcher
Played For:
As player
Washington Senators (1907–1927)
As manager
Washington Senators (1929–1932)
Cleveland Indians (1933–1935)
Biography:
Most experts consider Walter “Big Train” Johnson (1887-1946) to be the greatest pitcher in baseball history. Both feared and respected, Johnson combined a dominating fastball with a generous spirit. Unlike most pitchers of his era, he refused to knockdown opposing batters with inside pitches and was a model of gentlemanly refinement both on and off the field.
Addie Joss could not have been more right when he predicted “That young fellow is another Cy Young. I never saw a kid with more than he displayed. Of course, he is still green, but when he has a little experience he should be one of the greatest pitchers that ever broke into the game. He has terrific speed and a motion which does not put much strain on his arm and this will all improve as he goes along”.
Walter Johnson came from humble beginnings, the son of a Kansas farmer. It wasn’t until his parents moved the family out west that he began to pick up the trade that would make him one of the most recognizable stars the game has ever seen. Johnson was a natural from the moment he stepped on to the southern California sandlots “From the first time I held a ball, it settled in the palm of my right hand as though it belonged there and, when I threw it, ball, hand and wrist, and arm and shoulder and back seemed to all work together.”
More info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Johnson
http://baseballhall.org/hof/johnson-walter
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnswa01.shtml
http://biography.yourdictionary.com/walter-johnson
