Books and articles about Lou Johnson

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Johnson spent almost a decade in the minors and failed to stick after brief stints with the Cubs, Angels, and Braves. The Dodgers acquired him from Detroit in exchange for Larry Sherry before the 1964 season, and in their 1965 World Series victory he hit two homers, including the winning shot in the clincher. In the 1966 Series against the Orioles, Johnson's .267 average led the otherwise baffled Los Angeles offense, and his one run scored was half the Dodgers' total. He was the Dodgers' regular left fielder in 1965-67 and one of the few power sources the team had. In 1965 his 12 HR tied for the team lead, and he was second on the club in 1966 (17) and 1967 (11). A broken leg in 1967 reduced his playing time, and he was traded after the season. He split 1968 between the Cubs and the Indians in his last season as a regular. (JFC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 8, 1963: The Braves acquire Chico Fernandez from the Tigers for Lou Johnson and cash, then turn around and swap him to the Mets for Larry Foss. » May 4, 1965: To take the place of the injured Tommy Davis, the Dodgers bring up 31-year-old Lou Johnson from Spokane. The veteran will hit .259 in Dodger blue. » May 29, 1965: Lou Johnson hits two home runs to back Don Drysdale's pitching and give the Dodgers a 5–3 win over the Braves. » September 9, 1965: In LA, a duel between Dodger Sandy Koufax and Bob Hendley of the Cubs is perfect until Dodger LF Lou Johnson walks in the 5th. Following a sacrifice, Johnson steals 3B and scores on C Chris Krug's wild throw. Johnson later gets the game's only hit, a 7th-inning single. Koufax's 4th no-hitter in four years is a perfect game. One hit by two clubs in a completed 9-inning game is also a record, as is the one runner left on base. The two base runners in a game is a ML record. For Chicago pitchers, it is the 2nd one-hitter they've thrown against LA this year and lost. » September 28, 1965: Former Giant Bill White has four hits to lead the Cards to a 9–1 beating of the Giants. The Dodgers edge the Reds 2–1 on Lou Johnson's 12th inning home run off Joey Jay to move into 1st place by a game over San Francisco. » October 10, 1965: In game four Don Drysdale evens the World Series with a 5-hit 7–2 win. Wes Parker and Lou Johnson hit home runs, as the Dodgers beat Jim Grant. » September 12, 1966: Ron Perranoski of the Dodgers fans the first six batters he faces and earns a 3–2 win over the Mets and Tug McGraw. With the help of 2B Ron Hunt, Mets rookie SS Bud Harrelson picks off Lou Johnson with the hidden ball trick in the 6th.