Howard Johnson: A Baseball Player to Remember
Contents
- Howard Johnson A baseball player to Remember
- Howard Johnson’s Early Life and Career
- Howard Johnson’s Time with the New York Mets
- Howard Johnson’s Later Career
- Howard Johnson’s Legacy
- Howard Johnson’s Personal Life
- Howard Johnson’s Post-Playing Career
- Howard Johnson’s Hall of Fame Chances
- What If Howard Johnson Had Never Played Baseball?
- Remembering Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson, a former MLB player, is someone to remember. From his days with the Detroit Tigers to his retirement, he always gave it his all on the field.
Howard Johnson A baseball player to Remember
Howard Samuel Johnson, born in Waldorf, Maryland on March 29, 1954, was a professional baseball player who became well-known for his time as a third baseman for the New York Mets After being drafted by the Mets in the 1975 Major League Baseball Draft, Johnson made his Major League debut on September 9th, 1981. Although he had some struggles early on in his career, by 1984 he had become one of the most consistent players on the team, setting a club record with 36 home runs and helping the Mets win the World Series that year.
During his 14-year career with the Mets, Johnson was named to six All-Star teams and won two Silver Slugger Awards. He retired in 1998 after brief stints with the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs In 2002, he was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame
Although his career spanned just over two decades, Howard Johnson left a lasting impact on those who saw him play. His passion for the game was evident in everything he did on the field, and his dedication to making himself a better player helped him overcome any obstacle he faced. His love of baseball inspired countless young people to pursue their own dreams of playing professionally, and his accomplishments as a player continue to be remembered by fans today.
Howard Johnson’s Early Life and Career
Howard Johnson was born on February 20, 1960, in Atlantic City New Jersey. His father, Howard Sr., was a local butcher and his mother, Sarah, was a housewife. Johnson grew up playing baseball and football in the sandlots of Atlantic City He attended High School at Atlantic City high school where he played both baseball and football Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1978, but he did not sign with them. He played college baseball at the University of South Carolina Aiken from 1979 to 1981. In 1982, Johnson was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the amateur draft. He made his Major League debut with the Mets on September 15, 1985.
Howard Johnson’s Time with the New York Mets
Howard Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round of the 1977 Major League Baseball Draft. He played in the Tigers’ organization until he was traded to the New York Mets on December 9, 1981, with Dan Norman and Alex Sánchez for Billy Beane Tom Grieve, and Bill Lajoie.
Johnson made his Major League debut on September 3, 1982, against the Pittsburgh Pirates In his rookie season, he batted .257 with one home run and eight RBIs in 49 games. He became a regular player for the Mets in 1983. In 1984, he batted .254 with 19 home runs and 74 RBIs. On September 27, 1985, he set a Mets’ single-game record with eight RBIs in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Howard Johnson had his best season in 1987 when he batted .302 with 36 home runs and 105 RBIs. He was selected to play in the All-Star game and won a Silver Slugger Award He continued to be one of the Mets’ best players in 1988 when he batted .268 with 34 Home Runs and 98 RBIs. In 1989, he again batted over .260 and hit 30 home runs for the third consecutive season.
Johnson’s production began to decline in 1990 as his batting average dropped to .249 and his home run total decreased to 25. However, he rebounded in 1991 with a batting average of .270 and 28 home runs His production declined again in 1992 as his batting average fell to .261 with 22 homers. The Mets traded him to the Chicago Cubs on July 27, 1992.
Howard Johnson’s Later Career
Howard Johnson is a former baseball player who has had a long and successful career in the sport. He played for the New York Yankees Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers among other teams. After his playing career ended, he became a coach and commentator. He has also been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame
Howard Johnson’s Legacy
Howard Johnson was a professional Baseball player who played for the Detroit Tigers Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves He was an All-Star shortstop and third baseman, and he is considered one of the best power hitters of his era. He retired in 2001 with a batting average of .271, 275 home runs and 1,219 RBIs.
Johnson was known for his strong work ethic and his dedication to the Game of Baseball He was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. After his retirement from baseball, he became a coach and a broadcaster. He also worked with various charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Howard Johnson passed away in 2014 at the age of 60. His legacy as a player, coach, broadcaster, and philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations.
Howard Johnson’s Personal Life
Howard Homer Johnson, nicknamed “HoJo”, is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and manager. He played from 1982 to 1995 for the Chicago Cubs Detroit Tigers Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets After his playing career ended, he worked as a coach and manager for the Mets from 1996 to 2001.
Johnson was born in Jacksonville, Florida on February 20, 1960. He grew up in a military family and his father was a career Air Force officer. Johnson attended high school in Altus, Oklahoma and then went on to play baseball at the University of Arkansas He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1982 and made his Major League debut that same year.
Johnson played 14 seasons in the majors and was a three-time All-Star. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 1987 and 1989. After his playing career ended, he became a coach for the Mets. In 2006, he was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame
Johnson now lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife Cheryl and their two children.
Howard Johnson’s Post-Playing Career
After he retired from baseball, Howard Johnson became a coach for the minor league Gulf Coast Mets. He then became a hitting coach for the New York Mets from 2006 until he was fired in 2010. After that, he was the assistant hitting coach for the Baltimore Orioles in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he became the batting coach for the Detroit Tigers
Howard Johnson’s Hall of Fame Chances
Howard Johnson, a former professional baseball player is considered by many to be one of the best to have ever played the game. Unfortunately, he has not been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame This could be for a variety of reasons, but it is most likely because he was never considered to be the best player at his position during his era. Nevertheless, his career numbers warrant serious consideration for enshrinement in Cooperstown.
What If Howard Johnson Had Never Played Baseball?
Howard Johnson was a Professional Baseball Player who played for the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers He was a three-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award twice. He also set the single-season record for home runs by a second baseman. Johnson was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame in 2010.
But what if Howard Johnson had never played baseball?
Johnson was born in 1963 in Orangeburg, South Carolina His father, Hobie, was a high school football coach and his mother, Shirley, was a teacher. Johnson played baseball and football in high school but he didn’t start playing organized baseball until he was 18 years old.
If Johnson had never played baseball, it’s likely that he would have gone into coaching like his father. He probably would have been a successful football coach, but it’s doubtful that he would have achieved the same level of success as he did in baseball.
Baseball is a game of inches, and Johnson was just inches away from being one of the greatest players of all time. If he had never played baseball, we would never have known what could have been.
Remembering Howard Johnson
From his humble beginnings as a small-town kid with big dreams to his stellar career in major league baseball Howard Johnson was a ballplayer to remember. A versatile player who could hit for power and speed, field with the best of them, and run the bases like a Frenchman, Johnson was a star for the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies during his 17-year MLB career.
A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Johnson was one of the best all-around players of his generation. A 6’1″, 200-pound slugger with a sweet swing, Johnson hit 336 home runs and stole 246 bases during his career. He also hit .289/.360/.469 with 1,175 RBIs and 1,231 runs scored
defensively, Johnson was no slouch either. A gifted athlete with sure hands and a strong arm, he won two Gold Glove Awards while playing mostly third base during his career. He also saw time at shortstop, second base, and all three field positions
Johnson’s accomplishments on the field are impressive enough, but it’s his story off the field that makes him truly special. A kind and humble man who always had time for fans and teammates alike, Johnson overcame childhood poverty and racism to become one of the game’s most beloved players. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.