Thursday, February 7, 2013

1979 Topps, Tim Johnson


#182 Tim Johnson

Here is the third and final Tim Johnson card that I got signed in Wichita last summer. The other two cards he signed for me were Brewer cards, so I had to mix it up by getting a Blue Jay card signed. And I picked out a good one, too, as Tim is sporting a very stylish perm in this card. However, I have to point out that he unfortunately no longer wears his hair in this style.

Tim spent his last two seasons in Toronto after being traded there early in the '78 season. He played sparingly and hit .212 while playing all four infield positions.

After his playing days were over, Johnson scouted and coached. In 1998, he was named the manager of the Blue Jays and guided the team to a 88-74 record, third in the AL East. After that season, Tim got into some hot water after admitting that he lied to his players about his time in Vietnam and about being an All-American high school basketball player. He went to Spring Training with the club in 1999, but was let go about a month before Opening Day because he had become too much of a distraction.

After Toronto, Tim managed in Mexico and various independent teams. He is slated to manage the El Paso Diablos again this coming season.

1 comment:

Orioles Magic said...

I recall the story about the manager who lied about Vietnam, but totally forgot who it was. Thanks for the reminder Zach!