Johnson, Howard M.
b. Nov. 29, 1960, Clearwater, PA
A switch-hitter, "Ho-Jo" was a major league starter at four positions. He joined the Al's Detroit Tigers during the 1982 season, batting .316 in 54 games, but was with the team for only 27 games in 1983.
Johnson was used as a utility player and pinch-hitter by the Tigers in 1984, when he saw time at first base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He hit only .248 that year and was traded to the NL's New York Mets.
In 1987, Johnson suddenly became a power hitter. Playing third base, shortstop, and the outfield, he batted .287 with 36 home runs and 99 RBI to go with 32 stolen bases. He was the fourth member of the "30-30 Club," players who have hit more than 30 home runs and stolen more than 30 bases in the same season.
After slipping to .230 in 1988, Johnson hit .287 the following season, with 36 home runs, 101 RBI, 41 stolen bases, and a league-leading 104 runs scored. His finest year was 1991, when he stole 30 bases and the league with 38 home runs and 117 RBI.
Johnson's playing time was limited by injuries the next two seasons. He became a free agent in October of 1993 and signed with the Colorado Rockies, hoping the thin air of Denver would revive his home run stroke. However, he was cut by the Rockies after hitting only .211. Johnson retired after batting just .185 with the Cubs in 1995.