Ernie Johnson (Negro Leagues)

Ernest D. Johnson
(Schoolboy, Schooley)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 180 lb.

• Born November 4, 1928 in Clinton, MS USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Ernie Johnson played for five years in the Negro Leagues and six in the minor leagues.

Johnson debuted with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1949 as a pitcher; he threw a fastball, curveball and changeup. He was moved to the outfield in 1950. In the 1953 East-West Game, he replaced Billy Ray Haggins in right field for the West. In the 7th inning, he hit a two-run single off Dave Amaro to score Stony Jackson and Eddie Reed with the last two runs in a 5-1 victory.

Signing with the Chicago Cubs, Ernie hit .288/?/.439 for the 1954 Thetford Mines Miners. In '55, he batted .292/?/.451 with 10 homers in 99 games for the Magic Valley Cowboys and .291/?/.364 in 30 games for the Macon Peaches. Joining the Des Moines Bruins in 1956, the Mississippi native hit .320 and slugged .440; he had 32 doubles and six triples. Johnson remained steady with Des Moines in '57 (.300/.339/.408, 7 3B, 89 R, a Western League-high 12 sacrifice hits, but also 19 outfield errors, most in the WL) then hit .308 with 15 homers and a .460 slugging for the 1958 Sioux City Soos. Ending his career with the 1959 Charleston ChaSox, Johnson put up a .265/.309/.395 line.

Sources

• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley
• Black Baseball's National Showcase by Larry Lester
• 1958 and 1960 Baseball Guides