Dick Johnston

Richard Frederick Johnston

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8", Weight 155 lb.

• Debut August 12, 1884
• Final Game August 16, 1891
• Born April 6, 1863 in Kingston, NY USA
• Died April 4, 1934 in Detroit, MI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Dick Johnston, who was otherwise a below-average hitter, had an excellent season for the 1888 Boston Beaneaters and a good partial season for the 1884 Richmond Virginians. He led the 1888 National League in triples and was third in the league in both doubles and home runs that year.

Johnston was born in Kingston, NY. He played for Richmond in both the minor and major leagues as a young player. After his major league days he played in the Northeast for some minor league teams.

John Thorn's site indicates that Kingston was a hotbed of early baseball in the 1880's and even applied for a major league franchise in 1883 in the fledgling Union Association. Dick was considered a top center fielder, playing close to the infield in the way that Tris Speaker later did, and galloping back for fly balls hit over his head. Johnston was a printer by trade and a heavy drinker.

Notable Achievements

• NL At Bats Leader (1888)
• NL Triples Leader (1888)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1888)
• 50 Stolen Bases Seasons: 1 (1887)