Walter Perry Johnson, celebrated primarily for his pitching prowess, was a multifaceted figure in baseball whose contributions extended beyond his dominant performances on the mound. Known as "the Big Train," Johnson spent his entire 21-year playing career with the Washington Senators from 1907 to 1927. While his pitching records are legendary, his career also featured surprising batting skills, a reputation for kindness, and a long-awaited journey
to World Series triumph, painting a more complete picture of this baseball icon.
A Pitcher Who Could Hit
Uncommon for pitchers, Walter Johnson was a remarkably good hitter. He compiled a career batting average of .235, a respectable figure for any player, let alone a full-time pitcher. His batting reached a peak in 1925 when he recorded an impressive .433 average. Johnson's 547 career hits stand as the most by any full-time pitcher in Major League Baseball history, highlighting his consistent offensive contributions. He hit over .200 in 13 of his 21 seasons, demonstrating sustained ability at the plate.
His power was also notable for a pitcher, hitting three home runs in 1914 and accumulating 12 doubles and a triple in just 130 at-bats in 1917. In 1919, he achieved the distinction of hitting at least as many home runs as he allowed while pitching, a feat he accomplished in seven different seasons where he also pitched at least 296 innings. Johnson finished his career with 23 home runs as a pitcher (24 overall, including a pinch-hit home run in 1925), placing him third all-time for primary pitchers at the time and currently ranking tenth in Major League history. Beyond batting, Johnson even made 13 appearances in the outfield during his career, showcasing his versatility.
The Long Road to World Series Victory
Despite his individual brilliance, Walter Johnson often pitched for teams that struggled to achieve consistent success. His Hall of Fame plaque acknowledges this, stating he pitched "for many years with a losing team." Indeed, the Washington Senators had only nine winning seasons during his career. However, they did finish in the first division (fourth place or higher) 11 times, indicating periods of competitiveness.
After 17 seasons of dedicated play, Johnson finally led the Washington Senators to the World Series in 1924, his 18th year in the American League. Although he lost the first and fifth games of that series, he emerged as the hero in the decisive seventh game. Pitching four scoreless innings of relief, Johnson secured the victory in the 12th inning, bringing the championship to Washington. The Senators returned to the World Series the following season, but Johnson's experience was reversed, with two early wins followed by a loss in Game Seven. His request for an unconditional release from the club was granted on October 15, 1927, marking the end of his playing career.
A Kindly Demeanor and Lasting Friendships
Beyond his athletic achievements, Walter Johnson was known for his kindly personality, earning him many friends within the baseball community. Sam Crawford, a contemporary and friend, recalled instances where Johnson would intentionally ease up on his pitching in non-critical situations, allowing Crawford to hit well against him. This practice reportedly perplexed Crawford's teammate, Ty Cobb, who struggled to understand how Crawford could consistently hit the formidable Johnson so effectively. Johnson also maintained a friendly relationship with Babe Ruth, even though Ruth famously hit some of his longest home runs off Johnson at Griffith Stadium. This reputation for sportsmanship and geniality further cemented his legacy as one of baseball's most respected figures.
