Si Johnson

Silas Kenneth Johnson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
• High School Newark Community High School
• Debut September 11, 1928
• Final Game September 25, 1947
• Born October 5, 1906 in Danway, IL USA
• Died May 12, 1994 in Sheridan, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Pitcher Si Johnson played 17 years in the majors for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Braves and another four seasons in the minor leagues (three in AAA). He entered the U.S. Navy in July 1943 and served during World War II before being discharged in January 1946. He was a fireman at the Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, IL. He died at his home at age 87 and is buried at Elerding Cemetery in Sheridan.

Johnson's career-high for wins in a season was 13, with the Reds in 1932, but he lost 15 or more games 5 times, including leading the National League twice, with 19 in 1931 and 22 in 1934. As a result, his career winning percentage in only .380, making him one of only two pitchers with over 100 wins and a winning percentage below .400. Even if he wasn't all that successful in the win/loss department, he was a workhorse on the mound, pitching over 200 innigs four times, and five times being selected as his team's opening day starter ("I lost 'em all, too", he later quipped to Sports Illustrated. He is best remembered for a game on May 26, 1935­, when he struck out Babe Ruth three times in a complete game win. Ruth retired four days later and he is the last man to have struck him out.

Notable Achievements

• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1931-1934)

Related Sites

• Si Johnson at the SABR BioProject
• Article from Sports Illustrated