St. Louis Browns right-handed pitcher, Fred Johnson, was born on March 10, 1894, in Tolar, Texas. Whether he was called "Deacon" or "Cactus", Johnson would go on to a 243-213 record throughout his 22 years as a professional baseball player. He would appear in 4,105 innings over 662 games with 17 teams. As the only MLB player from the smal
St. Louis Browns right-handed pitcher, Fred Johnson, was born on March 10, 1894, in Tolar, Texas. Whether he was called "Deacon" or "Cactus", Johnson would go on to a 243-213 record throughout his 22 years as a professional baseball player. He would appear in 4,105 innings over 662 games with 17 teams. As the only MLB player from the small Texas town of Tolar, located approximately 70 miles southwest of Dallas, he would proudly represent his community both on and off the baseball diamond.
Fred Johnson would not start his baseball career until the age of 26. He enlisted in the US Army at the beginning of World War I, and did not start playing professional baseball until 1920. Within in the first three years, he played primarily in the West Texas League for teams like the Cisco Scouts (1920), Abeline Eagles (1921), San Antonio Bears (1922-23), and Mexia Gushers (1922). After a combined minor league record in 1922 of 14-9, he was called up to the Majors by the New York Giants.
Johnson made his MLB debut on September 27, when he hurled a ten-inning complete game loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. After three games with the Giants in 1923, Johnson was sent to the Toledo Mud Hens. For the next 11 years, Johnson would bounce between six different franchises before signing with the St. Louis Browns in 1938. He saw multiple campaigns with the Mud Hens (1924-26), Nashville Volunteers (1926-27), and the New Orleans Pelicans (1929-34).
When the Browns signed Fred Johnson, he was 44-year-young pitcher who started the 1938 season with a 12-4 record while pitching for the Mud Hens. His first game with the Browns came on July 22, where he earned a save in relief of Howard Mills. Johnson would go on appear in 17 games for the Browns, including three complete games of the six games he started. Over 69 innings he would strikeout 24 batters, while issuing 27 walks, and reaching an ERA of 5.61.
He started the 1938 season with Browns in 1938, but a dismal start would limit his time in St. Louis. Johnson would see action in just 14 innings over five games. After a complete game loss in his seasons opener, he would last six innings in his final four games. The Browns would eventually send Fred Johnson and LHP Russ Van Atta to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League on May 14, 1939. He would play for five teams in his final two years in baseball.
Fred Johnson may have experienced a few "cups of coffee" in the Major Leagues over his 22 seasons. Johnson would make Browns history in 1938 when he became the oldest starting pitcher in franchise (44 years). This mark is only surpassed by the immortal Satchel Paige who started for the Browns at the age of 46.
Fred Johnson would eventually return to Texas and settle down in Kerrville, just outside of San Antonio. It is safe to assume that if Fred Johnson had been given a chance at the Major Leagues at a younger age, then his baseball legacy would be a bit different. But Fred Jihnson experienced a baseball life that most of us would only dream of.
Today's Browns Quote
“I had some great seasons in the minors, and never had arm trouble. I can't understand it, but I am glad to be back.”
~ Fred Johnson, when asked why he thought he was never asked to return to the Majors in his time between the Giants and Browns.
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1894 - RHP Fred Johnson (1938-39)
1873 - INF Ge
Today's Browns Quote
“I had some great seasons in the minors, and never had arm trouble. I can't understand it, but I am glad to be back.”
~ Fred Johnson, when asked why he thought he was never asked to return to the Majors in his time between the Giants and Browns.
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1894 - RHP Fred Johnson (1938-39)
1873 - INF Gene DeMontreville (1904)
1929 - SS Bud Thomas (1951)
BASEBALL LOVES HOT DOGS
When you think of Baseball, there are certain smells and tastes that come to mind. The smell of the freshly cut grass. The smell of concession stands full of fresh popcorn, peanuts, and pretzels. And in today's game of baseball, many stadiums have open grills throughout the walkways. Bratwursts, burgers, chicken, and cheese steaks are grilled up filling the stadium with the aromas that can make every mouth water.
The most popular menu item at any stadium is the beloved Hot Dog. BASEBALL LOVES HOT DOGS!!!!!
If there was ever a question of how the Hot Dog was linked to Major League, the St. Louis Browns are the answer. The St, Louis Browns of the American Association in 1880s were owned by Chris Von der Ahe. Von der Ahe was a local tavern owner, proud German immigrant, and lover of the game of baseball. He bought the Browns and moved their home park near his tavern. When his fans became thirsty, Von der Ahe was quick to serve them beer.
He noticed that his fans were leaving the park to get some food during his team's games. He was the first to introduce Hot Dogs to the baseball game setting. The first hot dogs were served without the buns. Before long, buns were added as well as some of the best toppings - mustard, relish, sauerkraught, peppers, onions, and chili!!!!
There is a common misconception that it is against the law in many places to place ketchup on a hot dog. This is more of an urban myth, than documented fact. But the debate between ketchup vs. mustard is constantly served up in every ballpark across the country.
The manager of the 1928 Browns was Dan Howley, also known as "Dapper Dan" or "Howling Dan". The 1928 season was the second season Howling led the Browns. He survived the dismal previous campaign, leading an improved team to 23 more victories in 1928.
Howley would manage a total of three seasons in St. Louis (1927-29), reaching a total rec
The manager of the 1928 Browns was Dan Howley, also known as "Dapper Dan" or "Howling Dan". The 1928 season was the second season Howling led the Browns. He survived the dismal previous campaign, leading an improved team to 23 more victories in 1928.
Howley would manage a total of three seasons in St. Louis (1927-29), reaching a total record of 220-239. Only his first season with the Browns was a losing season.
Dan Howling enjoyed a brief MLB career before entering the mangerial ranks. He hit for a .125 average for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1913. He began managing at the age of 28 for the Montreal Royals of the International League. He remained in Montreal from 1914-17, He then managed the Toronto Maple Leafs (1918, 23-26, 33, 37-38), Hartford Senators (1920), and Cincinnati Reds (1930-32)
His combined MLB manager record was 397-524. There is no record of why Howley left the Browns after two successful winning seasons to go to the Reds. Perhaps he was lured away by a Reds team that suffered through a rough patch of the 1920s.