William Julius ”Judy” Johnson

The Negro Leagues produced some of the finest third-basemens in the history of the sport of baseball. Guys like Jud Wilson, Oliver "The Ghost" Marcelle and Ray Dandridge held down the Hot Corner. inspiring and challenging future generations to meet their standards. But many of the league historians consider Judy Johnson the finest of them all. He was Baryshnikov in cleats with his flawless footwork and stellar glove at third. At 5'10'. 150 pounds soaking wet, Johnson dominated the game with his solid defensive fundamentals, incredible base-running instincts, and a line-drive bat designed to find gaps in the outfield for extra bases. While Satchel Paige's game was a flamboyant display of athletic genius, Judy's was one of quiet exuberance and steely focus. While Josh Gibson game revolved around his sheer belligerent power, Johnson thrilled spectators with his finesse. While Cool Papa Bell was blessed with blazing speed, Johnson had intelligence and instincts. This week we do an archeological dig into the legends career that begins in Wilmington. Delaware and ends in the pantheon of immortals in Cooperstown. New York. #WilliamJuliusJudyJohnson #SnowHillMaryland #WilmingtonDeleware #EdBolden #HilldaleDaisies #HomesteadGrays #PittsburghCrawfords #PopLloyd #BrodieFrancis #JoshGibson #CumPosey #GusGreenlee #KansasCityMonarchs #ConnieMack #LeoDurocher #AnitaIrons