Unfortunately for a large number of baseball fans, the majority of Connie’s pitching career was not as a member of Major League Baseball.
He was already 30 when he made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox, April 17, 1953. He was traded to the Orioles along with Mike Fornieles, George Kell and Bob Nieman, for Jim Wilson and Dave Philley May 21, 1956. He finished his career with Baltimore making his last MLB appearance at the end of the 58’ season. His best year was 1957 with the O’s when he went 14-11 with a 3.20 ERA.
Prior to his Major League years, Connie pitched in the Negro Leagues for the Indianapolis Crawfords, and the much celebrated Kansas City Monarchs. The staff included Satchel Paige, John Matchett, Hilton Smith and Lefty LaMarque. Johnson was said to be the hardest thrower on the staff.
“Connie was a good pitcher in the major leagues, but he was a great pitcher in the Negro Leagues. No comparison. He threw hard for the Monarchs. Hard. He had good control. Could have won 20 games in the big leagues. Oh yeah. Could have won 20 games every year. That's Connie Johnson.” ~ Monarchs teammate Buck O’Neil
He took a break from baseball to join the Military during WWII for three years 1943 - 1945.
Major League Career Stats: G: 123 W: 40 L: 39 PCT: .506 ERA: 3.44 SO: 497
