Roy Johnson (johnsro02)

Roy Cleveland Johnson

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut April 18, 1929
• Final Game April 27, 1938
• Born February 23, 1903 in Pryor, Indian Territory USA
• Died September 10, 1973 in Tacoma, WA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Roy was the flashiest athlete I've ever seen." - Earl Averill

Brother of Bob Johnson, Roy Johnson's lifetime major league batting average was the same as his brother, .296.

Roy, a few years old than Indian Bob, signed first with the pros and came first to the majors. He did not have his brother's power in the majors, but hit well for average, drew walks, and stole bases. He played ten seasons in the majors, mostly in the American League. Roy and Bob played on opposing teams in the American League from 1933-1937, but were never teammates in the majors.

He had been a regular through 1935, but in 1936 became a backup outfielder with the New York Yankees, in Joe DiMaggio's rookie year with the team. He appeared briefly in the 1936 World Series.

Before the majors, Roy had played three seasons with the San Francisco Seals, filling the outfield along with Smead Jolley and Earl Averill. Before the Seals, he had previously played semi-pro ball with Averill. Roy and Smead would eventually play together in the majors, and Averill regretted that he didn't get the chance.

Part Cherokee and born in Oklahoma, Roy's family had moved when he was young to Tacoma, WA and he later died there, as did his brother Bob.

One source: obituary by the Tacoma News Tribune. www.thedeadballera.com/Obits/Johnson.Roy.Obit.html

Notable Achievements

• AL At Bats Leader (1929)
• AL Doubles Leader (1929)
• AL Triples Leader (1931)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 1 (1934)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 3 (1929, 1931 & 1932)
• 200 Hits Seasons: 1 (1929)
• Won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1936

Related Sites

• Roy Johnson at the SABR Bio Project