#556 - Tim Johnson

Card fact: There are two players listed as playing shortstop for the Brewers in this set. The other is Robin Yount.

What I thought about this card then: I had the mini card. I thought Tim Johnson looked mean. Like a strict math teacher. With a helmet.

What I think about this card now: Is that a roller mark to the left of Johnson? I've never really gotten a grasp on what a roller mark looks like.

Other stuff: Johnson came up in the Dodgers organization and spent seven years in the minors with L.A. He was traded to the Brewers for Rick Auerbach in 1973. Johnson became the Brewers' starting shortstop that year. But the following year, Milwaukee brought up an 18-year-old Yount to play at short, and Johnson's starting days were done.

After a brief resurgence in '76, Johnson eventually found himself with expansion Toronto. He played as a backup for two years, ending his career after the 1979 season with a .223 batting average.

Johnson later moved on to managing. He was the Blue Jays' manager in 1998 and part of 1999, leading Toronto to a decent '98 season. He famously confessed to lying about serving in the Vietnam War, when in fact he was in the Marine Corps Reserves throughout the war. Johnson used his stories about being on the battlefield to encourage his players, but he let out the truth during some interviews. The Blue Jays stayed by Johnson, who made apologies to multiple players, but the '99 season did not start well, the story wouldn't die, and Johnson was dismissed.

He later continued managing, mostly with independent teams through 2010.

Back facts: Johnson hit .213 in 465 at-bats as the starting shortstop in 1973. You could do that in '73.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1923, the New York Giants scored in every inning against the Phillies en route to winning 22-8. It was the first time in the 20th century a team had scored in every inning. I always wanted my team to do that.