By Jordan Long
Pitcher Josh Johnson made the difficult decision to retire from professional baseball. He was hoping to make a Major League Baseball comeback, signing a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants this offseason. He had a change of heart and decided to hang up his glove on Friday. How should we remember Josh Johnson?
Johnson started his career in 2005 with the Florida Marlins appearing in 4 games striking out 10 batters with an era of 3.65. In 2006 he was part of the Florida Marlins rotation going 12-7 with an era of 3.10. Johnson had a career high 15 wins in 2009. 2010 he had his best era at 2.30, which led the National League. Johnson’s last full season of playing at a high level was 2013 when he pitched in 16 games for the Toronto Blue Jays. That season he won a career low 2 games with an era of 6.20.
Johnson hasn’t pitched at the Major League level since 2013 due to arm and elbow problems. In 2015 he underwent Tommy John surgery in September. He missed 2016 to heal from the surgery. Johnson was hoping that giving his body time to heal would help him start again. On Friday he decided it was time to move on from baseball. Johnson leaves the game with a career record of 58-45 with an ERA of 3.40. He struck out 915 batters. In his time in Major League Baseball he was voted into the All-Star Game twice.
Johnson was one of the best pitchers when he was healthy. Batters had a tough time facing him because of the location of his pitches. More times than not, Johnson would strike a batter out. It was time for him to leave the game. Johnson couldn’t pitch at a high level anymore. Hopefully people will remember him for what he did during his short MLB career.
How will you remember Josh Johnson?
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