Joel Johnston

Joel Raymond Johnston

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 4", Weight 220 lb.
• School Pennsylvania State University
• High School Marple Newtown High School
• Debut September 5, 1991
• Final Game May 12, 1995
• Born March 8, 1967 in West Chester, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Pitcher Joel Johnston was signed as a 3rd round pick in the 1988 amateur draft by the Kansas City Royals and scout Bob Carter.

Johnston's rookie season in 1991 was his best season: in just over 22 innings, he gave up only one earned run for an incredibly low ERA of only 0.40. He also struck out 21 batters that year.

According to Baseball America, in 1992 Johnston was the Royals' top prospect, and was also number 59 on its Top 100 Prospects list. However, after his promising rookie season, Johnston entered a "sophomore slump" he never really escaped. The closest he ever got to his incredible rookie season was in 1993, when he had an ERA of 3.38. In the other three seasons he pitched (he only pitched in a total of 13 games in 1992, 1994 and 1995 combined), his ERAs were respectively 13.50, 29.70 and 11.25.

On November 19, 1992, Johnston was traded with pitcher Dennis Moeller from the Royals to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Jose Lind.

Johnston currently resides in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.