Claude Johnson

Claude Cecil Johnson
(Hooks)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 6", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut 1922
• Final Game 1930
• Born January 4, 1894 in Youngstown, OH USA
• Died January 5, 1965 in Youngstown, OH USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Infielder Claude "Hooks" Johnson played several years in the Negro Leagues and managed for one season.

Johnson broke in with the 1922 Cleveland Tate Stars, hitting third in the order and playing second base. He batted .286/.333/.357 and fielded .941 at second base. In 1923, he managed the club as well. He slipped to .241/.315/.337 at the plate and .915 in the field and his team posted a 7-14 record against Negro National League teams.

Johnson moved on to the 1924 Harrisburg Giants but hit just .233. He resurfaced in 1927 with the Detroit Stars and batted .291 off the bench. In 1928, he replaced manager Bingo DeMoss at second base and hit .331. The next season, he moved over to third base, switching positions with Grady Orange, and batted .286. He finished his career in 1930 with the Memphis Red Sox and Birmingham Black Barons.

Notable Achievements

• NNL Bases on Balls Leader (1928)

Sources:

• Research by Gary Ashwill and Patrick Rock
• The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues by John Holway
• The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues by James Riley