Cliff Johnson, born on July 22, 1947 in Texas, showed a natural talent for baseball from a young age. He attended Wheatley High School in San Antonio, Texas where he excelled as a catcher on the school's baseball team. In 1966, he was drafted straight out of high school by the Houston Astros, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.
Johnson made his MLB debut in 1972 with the Houston Astros, where he played primarily as a catcher. He later transitioned to first baseman and became known for his powerful hitting abilities. In 1978 and 1979, Johnson experienced the pinnacle of his career as a member of the New York Yankees when he won back-to-back World Series championships.
Despite his on-field success, Johnson is perhaps most remembered for an off-field incident that occurred during his time with the Yankees. In a heated locker room altercation with pitcher Goose Gossage, Johnson physically injured Gossage, causing him to be placed on the disabled list for two months. This incident ultimately led to Johnson being traded to the Cleveland Indians.
Throughout his career, Johnson set a major league record for pinch hit home runs, with a total of 20. This record stood until 2010 when Matt Stairs surpassed it. Johnson's ability to come off the bench and deliver clutch hits made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
Off the field, Johnson led a private personal life. He married an Army nurse named Christine, with whom he shared a strong bond. Johnson's brother-in-law is former MLB left fielder Mike Easler, displaying his strong connections within the baseball community.
Despite the controversial incident with Gossage, Cliff Johnson is recognized as a skilled and impactful player in Major League Baseball. His role in the Yankees' consecutive World Series victories solidified his place in baseball history. Johnson's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and his powerful hitting made him a respected figure in the world of professional baseball.