Bob Johnson (johnsbo01)

Robert Lee Johnson
(Indian Bob)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 180 lb.
• Debut April 12, 1933
• Final Game September 23, 1945
• Born November 26, 1905 in Pryor, Indian Territory USA
• Died July 6, 1982 in Tacoma, WA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Indian Bob Johnson was an eight-time All-Star and one of the top outfielders of the 1930s and 1940s. His 138 Adjusted OPS+ is #83 all-time (as of May 2012), and his 161 points on the Gray Ink test exceed the average Hall of Famer's 144.

His partial Cherokee heritage earned him the nickname "Indian Bob". While playing semi-pro ball, his older brother Roy signed with the pros. Bob felt he was just as talented, yet struggled in several minor league tryouts. Time proved he was in fact much better, even though the pair retired with identical .296 big league batting averages.

Bob finally reached the professional ranks with Wichita in 1929. In 1931 and 1932, he became a high-average power hitter with Portland in the Pacific Coast League.

Johnson reached the majors as a regular in 1933 when the Philadelphia Athletics sold off future Hall of Famer Al Simmons in one of Connie Mack's periodic salary dumps. Starting at age 27, Bob would play 13 seasons in the majors. Highly productive in his prime, he hit 20 or more homers nine times, 30 or more three, and knocked in 100 or more RBI eight. He was durable and consistent, topping 125 in Adjusted OPS+ and getting at least at least 117 games and 438 at-bats in any season.

Johnson was a seven-time All-Star, beginning in 1935, the third time the Midsummer Classic was played. His best overall year was 1939, when he hit .338 with 23 home runs and 114 RBIs. Potent until his late 30s, he hit .324 and paced the AL with a .431 OBP and 959 OPS at 38 in his second-to-last season in 1944. He was named an All-Star for the final time that year, his sterling 174 OPS+ tying St. Louis Cardinals great Stan Musial for the major league lead.

Defensively, he had a good arm and racked up over 200 outfield assists.

After his major league days he returned to the minors, still swatting at a .326 clip with Tacoma at 43 in 1949. He suited up for the last time in Tijuana in the Southwest International League in 1951.

One source: baseballanalysts.com/archives/2005/12/a_long_time_ago.php

Notable Achievements

• 8-time AL All-Star (1935, 1938-1940 & 1942-1945)
• AL On-Base Percentage Leader (1944)
• AL OPS Leader (1944)
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 9 (1933-1941)
• 30-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1934, 1938 & 1940)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 8 (1935-1941 & 1944)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 6 (1933-1935, 1938, 1939 & 1944)

Related Sites

• Bob Johnson at the SABR Bio Project