The Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson recorded 110 shutouts during his 21-year career, a figure that remains the highest total in major league baseball history. Known as the Big Train, he spent his entire tenure with the Senators from 1907 to 1927, establishing himself as the premier power pitcher of his era through a unique sidearm delivery.
Early Development and Minor Leagues
Born on November 6, 1887, in Humboldt, Kansas, Johnson was the second of six children born to Frank Edwin Johnson and Minnie Olive Perry. In 1902, the family relocated to Olinda, California, an oil boomtown. Johnson attended Fullerton Union High School, where he notably struck out 27 batters in a 15-inning game. He later moved to Idaho to work for a telephone company and pitch for the Weiser team in the Idaho State League, where he was recruited by scout Cliff Blankenship in July 1907.
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Johnson utilized a sidearm motion that proved difficult for right-handed batters to track. In 1917, laboratory testing recorded his fastball velocity at 91 miles per hour. Between 1910 and 1919, he averaged 26 wins per season. He secured 417 career wins, the second-highest total in history behind Cy Young. His accomplishments include three Triple Crown titles in 1913, 1918, and 1924, and two American League Most Valuable Player awards.
Longevity and Post-Playing Career
After retiring from his role as a player in 1927, Johnson transitioned into management. He led the Washington Senators from 1929 to 1932 before managing the Cleveland Indians from 1933 through 1935. In 1936, he was selected as one of the inaugural five members of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Johnson died on December 10, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and was interred at Rockville Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: November 6, 1887, Humboldt, Kansas
- Died: December 10, 1946, Washington, D.C.
- MLB Career: 1907-1927
- Total Shutouts: 110
- Career Wins: 417
- Total Strikeouts: 3,508
- Hall of Fame Induction: 1936
- Nickname: The Big Train
Questions readers ask
How many games did Walter Johnson win in his career?
He recorded 417 wins, the second-most in major league history.
What was the duration of his professional playing career?
He played for 21 seasons, all as a member of the Washington Senators.
