Johnny Hairston

John Louis Hairston

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 200 lb.
• School Southern University and A&M College
• High School Hooper City High School
• Debut September 6, 1969
• Final Game September 18, 1969
• Born August 27, 1944 in Birmingham, AL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"I just missed a homer. . ." - John's description of his first major league at-bat

Johnny Hairston was the first black catcher for the Chicago Cubs. He had one career hit, an infield single on September 18, 1969, playing for the Chicago Cubs against the Philadelphia Phillies. Grant Jackson was the pitcher. John also played seven seasons in the minors, most notably impressing in 1969 when he first came to AAA ball, posting a line of .451/.491/.745 in 25 games.

The SABR biography of Sam Hairston states that a knee injury shortened John's career. After baseball, John got two masters degrees and taught school, both at the community college level and at the public school level.

He is part of a three-generation baseball family. His father Sam, brother Jerry Hairston, and nephews Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Scott Hairston all played in the majors. In addition, brother Sam Hairston Jr. and his sons John Hairston Jr. and Jason Hairston played in the minor leagues.

Further Reading

• George Castle: "'He was an inspiration to me’: John Hairston broke barriers with Cubs, motivating the next generation", Naperville Sun, August 20, 2019. [1]

Related Sites

• John Hairston at the SABR Bio Project