Walter Perry Johnson, celebrated primarily for his unparalleled pitching career with the Washington Senators, was more than just a dominant force on the mound. Known as "the Big Train," Johnson also demonstrated surprising skill as a hitter and even made appearances in the outfield, showcasing an all-around athleticism rare for a pitcher of his caliber. Beyond his on-field achievements, Johnson was recognized for his kindly demeanor and ability to forge
friendships across the league, even with rivals. His career, though marked by individual brilliance, also tells the story of a player who often carried the weight of a struggling team, eventually leading them to World Series glory.
A Pitcher Who Could Hit and Field
While his pitching statistics are legendary, Walter Johnson was also a remarkably good hitter for a pitcher. He compiled a career batting average of .235, a respectable figure for any player, let alone one whose primary role was pitching. His offensive prowess peaked in 1925 when he achieved a record .433 batting average. Johnson's 547 career hits are the most by any full-time pitcher in MLB history, a testament to his consistent ability at the plate. He hit over .200 in 13 of his 21 seasons, demonstrating sustained offensive contribution.
His power was also notable, hitting three home runs in 1914 and accumulating 12 doubles and a triple in just 130 at-bats in 1917. By 1919, he had achieved the seventh year in which he hit at least as many home runs as he allowed while pitching, all while logging at least 296 innings in those seasons. Johnson finished his career with 23 home runs as a pitcher (24 overall, including a pinch-hit home run in 1925), which at the time ranked third best for primary pitchers in MLB history. Currently, he holds the tenth-highest total for a pitcher in Major League history. In addition to his hitting, Johnson also made 13 appearances in the outfield during his career, further highlighting his versatility.
The Washington Senators: A Team's Journey with its Star
Walter Johnson's Hall of Fame plaque notes that he pitched "for many years with a losing team." While the Washington Senators had only nine winning seasons during his extensive career, they did manage to finish in the first division (fourth place or higher) 11 times, contrasting with 10 times in the second division. In Johnson's initial five seasons, the Senators struggled, finishing last twice and next-to-last three times. However, the team saw significant improvement, finishing second in the American League in both 1912 and 1913, which coincided with Johnson's two 30-win seasons. For the subsequent decade, the Senators typically placed in the middle of the pack before achieving back-to-back pennants.
Johnson's dedication to the team eventually paid off when he led the Washington Senators to the World Series in 1924, his 18th year in the American League. Despite losing the first and fifth games of that series, Johnson emerged as a hero by pitching four scoreless innings of relief in the seventh and deciding game, ultimately securing the win in the 12th inning. The Senators returned to the World Series the following season, where Johnson experienced a near inverse outcome: two early wins followed by a Game 7 loss. His long tenure with the Senators concluded on October 15, 1927, when his request for an unconditional release was granted.
A Kindly Demeanor and Respected Figure
Walter Johnson was widely known for his kindly personality, earning him many friends within the baseball community. Sam Crawford, a contemporary player, was one of Johnson's good friends. It was reported in "The Glory of Their Times" that in non-critical situations, Johnson would sometimes ease up on his pitches to allow Crawford to hit well against him. This practice reportedly vexed Crawford's teammate, Ty Cobb, who found it difficult to understand how Crawford could hit the formidable Johnson so effectively. Johnson also maintained a friendly relationship with Babe Ruth, even though Ruth hit some of his longest home runs off Johnson at Griffith Stadium. This reputation for sportsmanship and geniality further cemented his status as a beloved figure in baseball history, complementing his extraordinary athletic achievements.
