#Spotlight – Next is Judy Johnson who played in the Negro Leagues for 17 seasons and was regarded as one of the greatest third baseman of all time.
Once Johnson retired, he began working as the Manager of a General Store and worked for Continental Cab Company.
Johnson would return to baseball in 1951, working for the Philadelphia Athletics as a scout. He tried to get the team to sign Larry Doby, Minnie Minoso and Hank Aaron, but was unsuccessful. He also would serve as a Coach for young black players Bob Trice and Vic Power, but Buck O’Neil is still credited with being the 1st full time African American coach in the MLB.
Johnson would go on to scout for the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. He would be known for scouting and signing Dick Allen and Bill Bruton (who would become his son-in-law).
Johnson would also serve on the Committee on Negro Baseball for MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, to help review the careers of Negro League players worthy for the Hall of Fame and place their names in nomination. In 1975 Johnson stepped down from the committee to accept his own nomination
#HistoryInYourSize
