Date of Birth: November 6, 1887
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: December 10, 1946
Biography
Walter Perry Johnson, widely known as “The Big Train,” was one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 6, 1887, in Humboldt, Kansas, Johnson’s career spanned from 1907 to 1927, during which he played exclusively for the Washington Senators. Renowned for his powerful fastball, he became a cornerstone of the team and an iconic figure in baseball history. Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson amassed 417 wins, making him the second-winningest pitcher in MLB history. He also set a record with 3,509 strikeouts, a record that stood for over 50 years. Known for his sportsmanship and gentle demeanor, Johnson was a beloved figure both on and off the field. After retiring as a player, Johnson transitioned to a managerial role, serving as the manager for the Senators from 1929 to 1932 and for the Cleveland Indians from 1933 to 1935. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in its inaugural class of 1936.
5 Interesting Facts about Walter Johnson
1. Walter Johnson won the American League MVP award twice, in 1913 and 1924.
2. He pitched a record 110 shutouts, a record that still stands today.
3. Johnson threw the fastest recorded pitch of his era, estimated at over 100 mph.
4. He was part of the Washington Senators team that won the World Series in 1924.
5. Walter Johnson also had a brief political career, running unsuccessfully for Congress in 1940.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walter Johnson
1. “You can’t hit what you can’t see.”
2. “I throw as hard as I can when I think I have to throw as hard as I can.”
3. “A pitcher has to look at the hitter as his mortal enemy.”
4. “In my day, the mound was closer to the plate, and the hitters were tougher.”
5. “Baseball is a great game, and it’s given me everything I have.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Walter Johnson’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $100,000 at the peak of his career, a substantial amount for his time.
Children
Walter Johnson had five children: two sons, Walter Jr. and Robert, and three daughters, Edna, Carolyn, and Barbara.
Relevant Links
1. [Baseball Hall of Fame Profile](https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/johnson-walter
2. [Walter Johnson’s MLB Statistics](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnswa01.shtml
3. [Biography on SABR](https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/walter-johnson/
4. [Washington Senators History](https://www.mlb.com/nationals/history/washington-senators
5. [Walter Johnson’s Legacy](https://www.si.com/mlb/2016/11/23/walter-johnson-greatest-pitchers
