Johnson made his MLB debut on April 12, 1933, with the Philadelphia Athletics, where he quickly established himself as a formidable player. Over his time with the Athletics, Johnson was a consistent and reliable hitter, posting a .296 batting average with the team. He was known for his power-hitting ability, amassing 252 home runs and 1,075 RBIs over his career. Johnson's best season came in 1939 when he hit .338 with 23 home runs and 114 RBIs.
A notable aspect of Johnson's career was his ability to maintain high performance levels despite playing for teams that often struggled in the standings. His offensive prowess earned him recognition as one of the league's top hitters during the 1930s and early 1940s. Johnson was selected to the All-Star team seven times (1933, 1934, 1935, 1938, 1939, 1940, and 1941), showcasing his talent among the era's best players.
In December 1942, Johnson was traded to the Washington Senators, where he continued to be a productive player. Despite advancing age, he maintained a high level of play, contributing significantly to the Senators' offense. Johnson's tenure with the Senators was marked by his continued power-hitting, as he added to his career home run and RBI totals.
Johnson's final MLB stint came with the Boston Red Sox, where he played his last two seasons before retiring in 1945. Even in the twilight of his career, Johnson demonstrated his hitting capabilities, contributing to the Red Sox as a veteran presence in the lineup.
Throughout his career, Johnson compiled a .296 batting average, with 2,051 hits, 396 doubles, 95 triples, and 1,075 RBIs. His consistent offensive production and ability to hit for both average and power made him one of the standout players of his era. Defensively, Johnson was known for his strong and accurate throwing arm, contributing to his overall value as a left fielder.
Johnson's post-playing career saw him largely step away from the spotlight, and he passed away on July 6, 1982, in Tacoma, Washington. Despite not being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Johnson's contributions to the game and his status as one of the premier hitters of his time are well-remembered by baseball historians and enthusiasts. His career remains a testament to his skill, consistency, and dedication to the sport of baseball.
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