For the 2,955 at-bats in his pro career, Johnson has earned a batting average of .284 with 839 base hits. He has gone deep 71 times, as well as 1,209 bases in total and a .069 slugging percentage. Johnson has drawn a walk 242 times while going down on strikes on 347 occasions. He has accrued 331 runs in addition to having earned 419 runs batted in. His on-base percentage is .337 and he has earned a lifetime OPS of .406.
On the year, Johnson has tallied 37 runs, accrued 38 RBI and has 7 home runs. He has gone down swinging 40 times while racking up 116 total bases. He has recorded an OPS of 0.684 with a slugging percentage of .358. He has taken a base 31 times and has earned an on-base percentage of .326. Johnson has compiled 84 hits in 324 at-bats for a batting average of .259.
| Year | Team | BA | HR | H | BB | R | RBI | OBP | PA | AB | OPS | OPS+ | 2B | 3B | G | SLG | SB | CS | TB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | .287 | 64 | 755 | 211 | 294 | 381 | .338 | 2,883 | 2,631 | .754 | 109 | 122 | 12 | 792 | .415 | 22 | 19 | 1,093 | 307 | |
| 1982 | TEX | .259 | 7 | 84 | 31 | 37 | 38 | .326 | 358 | 324 | .684 | 93 | 11 | 0 | 105 | .358 | 3 | 5 | 116 | 40 |
| 1981 | CHW | .276 | 1 | 37 | 5 | 10 | 15 | .298 | 142 | 134 | .649 | 89 | 7 | 0 | 41 | .351 | 0 | 2 | 47 | 14 |
| 1980 | CHW | .277 | 13 | 150 | 47 | 51 | 81 | .331 | 596 | 541 | .740 | 103 | 26 | 3 | 147 | .409 | 2 | 3 | 221 | 53 |
| 1979 | CHW | .309 | 12 | 148 | 41 | 60 | 74 | .363 | 526 | 479 | .812 | 119 | 29 | 1 | 133 | .449 | 8 | 2 | 215 | 56 |
| 1978 | CHW | .273 | 8 | 136 | 43 | 52 | 72 | .329 | 551 | 498 | .705 | 98 | 23 | 2 | 148 | .376 | 6 | 5 | 187 | 46 |
| 1977 | CHW | .302 | 18 | 113 | 24 | 52 | 65 | .342 | 401 | 374 | .847 | 128 | 12 | 5 | 118 | .505 | 1 | 1 | 189 | 53 |
| 1976 | CHW | .320 | 4 | 71 | 19 | 29 | 33 | .372 | 248 | 222 | .805 | 135 | 11 | 1 | 82 | .432 | 2 | 1 | 96 | 37 |
| 1975 | CHW | .200 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | .226 | 31 | 30 | .626 | 73 | 3 | 0 | 8 | .400 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 5 |
| 1974 | CHW | .345 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .333 | 30 | 29 | .678 | 94 | 0 | 0 | 10 | .345 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 |
Lamar Johnson, a name that resonates with baseball enthusiasts, carved a niche for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB). His career, spanning the late 1970s and early 1980s, was marked by resilience, skill, and a steadfast commitment to the game. This article delves into the journey of Lamar Johnson, highlighting his MLB career, his achievements, and his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Passion for Baseball
Lamar Johnson was born on September 2, 1950, in Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up in a sports-loving family, Lamar’s passion for baseball was evident from a young age. His natural talent and dedication to the game set him apart from his peers.
High School and College Years
During his high school years, Johnson’s prowess on the baseball field was undeniable. He quickly became a standout player, catching the attention of college scouts. Johnson went on to play college baseball, where he honed his skills and prepared himself for a professional career.
Entry into Major League Baseball
Johnson’s entry into MLB was a testament to his hard work and determination. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 1968 amateur draft, which marked the beginning of his professional career.
Chicago White Sox: The Early Years
Johnson made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1974. Initially, he faced challenges in establishing himself as a regular in the lineup. However, his perseverance and consistent performance soon earned him a place as a starting first baseman.
Notable Achievements with the White Sox
During his tenure with the White Sox, Johnson became known for his powerful hitting and solid defense. In 1977, he achieved a career-high batting average of .321, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His performance in the 1978 season was particularly noteworthy, as he hit 18 home runs and drove in 72 runs.
Transition to the Texas Rangers
In 1982, Johnson was traded to the Texas Rangers, marking a new chapter in his career. Although his time with the Rangers was brief, he left a lasting impact with his professionalism and leadership on and off the field.
Contributions to the Rangers
Johnson’s experience and knowledge of the game proved invaluable to the Rangers. He served as a mentor to younger players, helping to guide and develop the team’s future stars. His dedication to the sport and his teammates was evident in every game he played.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from professional baseball, Lamar Johnson continued to contribute to the sport. He transitioned into coaching, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring players.
Coaching Career
Johnson’s coaching career included stints with several MLB teams, where he focused on developing young talent and improving players’ hitting techniques. His ability to connect with players and his deep understanding of the game made him a respected figure in the baseball community.
Impact on Future Generations
Through his coaching and mentorship, Lamar Johnson has had a lasting impact on future generations of baseball players. His emphasis on discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship has inspired many young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Legacy of Lamar Johnson
Lamar Johnson’s legacy in MLB is characterized by his commitment to excellence and his passion for the game. His contributions, both as a player and a coach, have left an indelible mark on the baseball world.
Recognition and Honors
While Johnson may not have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his achievements and contributions have been recognized by fans and players alike. His career serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in professional sports.
Influence on the Game
Johnson’s influence extends beyond his playing days. He has played a significant role in shaping the careers of many young players, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. His teachings continue to be a source of inspiration for those who aspire to reach the pinnacle of baseball.
Conclusion
Lamar Johnson’s journey through Major League Baseball is a story of hard work, determination, and unwavering dedication to the sport. From his early days in Birmingham to his successful MLB career and subsequent coaching endeavors, Johnson has remained a true ambassador of baseball. His legacy serves as a testament to the impact that one individual can have on the game and its players.
Lamar Johnson’s contributions to MLB will always be remembered, and his story will continue to inspire future generations of baseball enthusiasts. His life and career exemplify the essence of what it means to be a professional athletededication, resilience, and a love for the game.
