Deron Johnson, born on July 17, 1938, in San Diego, California, was a professional baseball player who made his mark during the 1960s and 1970s. His talent for the game was apparent from a young age, but he faced a tough decision when he turned down a football scholarship from Notre Dame in favor of pursuing a career in baseball.
Johnson began his professional baseball career in 1956 when he signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut with the Yankees in 1960. However, it was with the Cincinnati Reds that Johnson truly made a name for himself.
During his time with the Reds, Johnson earned a reputation as a powerful hitter, with a career-high of 130 RBIs in the 1965 season. His impressive performance on the field earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team in 1960 and 1963.
Off the field, Johnson was a devoted husband to his wife, Lucy Ann, and a loving father to their two sons and one daughter. Despite the demands of a professional baseball career, Johnson always made time for his family and was actively involved in their lives.
Johnson's career spanned seventeen years, during which he hit a total of 245 home runs. His contributions to the game of baseball were recognized when he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1972. Johnson's impact on the sport lives on through the memories of fans and the records he set during his impressive career.
During his time with the Reds, Johnson had the opportunity to play alongside Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson. The two formed a formidable duo on the field, helping to lead the Reds to success during their time together.