Former Padres Pitcher Dies at 75
Pitcher Mike Johnson, who appeared in 18 games for the San Diego Padres in 1974, has died at age 75. His professional career spanned six seasons in the minor leagues and one brief stint in the majors.
NewsweekPitcher Mike Johnson, whose six-year career in professional baseball included a cup of coffee with the San Diego Padres in 1974, has died. He was 75. Johnson's big league career was brief but memorable, consisting of 18 relief appearances out of the Padres' bullpen.
He retired with an 0-2 record and 4.64 ERA. Originally an infielder, Johnson converted to pitching growing up in Faribault, Minnesota. The move proved wise. Johnson graduated from Faribault High School, where he was an all-conference athlete in baseball, basketball and football.
At his high school graduation party in 1969, Johnson signed a pro contract offer from Cincinnati Reds scout Bob Burke. A right-handed submariner, Johnson started only one of the 292 professional games he appeared in from 1969-74. He saved 57 games in his minor league career.
Johnson debuted on July 25, 1974, in the ninth inning of a tense game in Atlanta. The bases were loaded and two men were out in the bottom of the ninth. Johnson induced an inning-ending groundout from Braves first baseman Davey Johnson to preserve a 0-0 tie, only to allow a run in the 10th inning of the Padres' 1-0 loss.
When he was inducted into the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, Johnson recounted throwing 14 pitches to a future Hall of Famer in a plate appearance that ended with a single. On Oct. 2, 1974, Johnson threw a scoreless inning against the Giants in San Francisco, then was lifted for a pinch hitter.
Although he was just 23 years old, Johnson never pitched in a major or minor league game again. After retiring, Johnson worked in construction and service trades. He and his wife Janna eventually relocated to Arizona, where they started a pest control business.
