Ernie Johnson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ernest Thorwald Johnson Sr. wrapped up his Major League Baseball career in 1959, closing out a decade-long ride that took him from Brattleboro, Vermont, all the way to baseball’s biggest stages.

The right-handed relief pitcher put together a career record of 40 wins and 23 losses, with a 3.77 ERA in 273 games. He played for the Boston Braves, Milwaukee Braves, and Baltimore Orioles between 1950 and 1959. That run covered one of baseball’s most exciting eras, including the Braves’ move from Boston to Milwaukee and their 1957 World Series win.

Johnson’s story feels like the classic American baseball dream—a journey built on perseverance and dedication that stretched well past his playing days.

He started out as the son of Swedish immigrants and ended up a key player on championship teams. His path really showed the grit it takes to make it at the top level. That palmball pitch of his and steady presence in the bullpen made him a valuable asset in Milwaukee during the 1950s.

While his playing days got him noticed as a respected pitcher, Johnson’s real impact on baseball lasted for decades after he hung up his glove. He moved from player to broadcaster, building a legacy that kept him close to the game and its fans for more than fifty years. He became one of the Braves’ most enduring figures.

Early Life and Path to Baseball

Ernest Thorwald Johnson Sr. was born June 16, 1924, in Brattleboro, Vermont, to a Swedish immigrant family.

His journey from that small Vermont town to Major League Baseball started with high school athletics, got interrupted by military service, and then led to his professional baseball career in 1942.

Family Background and Childhood

Johnson grew up in Esteyville, a neighborhood near the Estey Organ Company factory.

His parents, Thorwald and Alina “Inkie” Ingeborg Johnson, moved from Sweden to Vermont in the early 1900s. They came for work at Estey Organ Company, which was a big employer in the area.

Estey Organ Company hired about 300 people, and a lot of Swedish immigrants worked there, building a tight-knit community.

Ernie’s dad worked at the factory for 45 years. During the Great Depression, he delivered newspapers on Sundays to pick up extra cash.

Young Ernie sometimes tagged along on those deliveries, mostly just to be with his dad and sneak a look at the sports page.

The Johnsons lived modestly, but they were comfortable enough. Sports were everywhere in Esteyville, and kids played pickup games all year.

Ernie’s first job paid him 35 cents for nine holes and 60 cents for eighteen holes—he caddied at the local golf course.

High School Achievements

Ernie went to Brattleboro High School and stood out in several sports. He was bigger and more athletic than most kids around.

A lot of people thought basketball was actually his best sport, not baseball. His dad put up a hoop outside their house, and Ernie and his friends shot baskets even in the snow.

Yale University even showed some interest in him as a basketball player.

Johnson’s baseball career really took off his senior year in 1942. He had a rough start, losing his first game 8-1 to Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Only one of those runs was earned, though, which hinted at his pitching skills.

Then, his next three games turned into a wild streak for Vermont high school baseball:

• May 8: One-hit shutout against Springfield
• May 13: Another one-hitter against Bellows Falls (lost the no-hitter in the ninth)
• May 20: 20 strikeouts against Deerfield, Massachusetts (no-hitter also broken in the ninth)

For the 1942 season, Johnson finished with a 6-3 record, a 1.09 ERA, and averaged 12 strikeouts per game.

He also batted .409 and led his team with 13 RBIs.

Military Service

Before the 1943 season, the U.S. Marine Corps drafted Johnson.

He served during World War II and went through the brutal Okinawa invasion, which was one of the Pacific’s bloodiest battles.

He left the service in February 1946 as a staff sergeant. His family used to joke that America was losing the war when he joined, and had won by the time he got out.

Military service took nearly four years away from his baseball development.

The Marine Corps shaped Johnson’s discipline and character, qualities that helped him later in baseball.

A lot of players from his era had their careers interrupted by the military, so he wasn’t alone in that.

Entry Into Professional Baseball

Ray Draghetti, Johnson’s high school coach, believed the tall, lanky pitcher had major league potential.

After graduation, Draghetti took him to Boston for tryouts with both the Red Sox and Braves.

The Red Sox offered Johnson a contract but wanted him to stay home and put on weight before joining a farm team.

The Braves, managed by Casey Stengel, gave him a different option—he could travel with the big-league team throwing batting practice or sign right away and head to the minors.

Johnson picked the Braves and traveled with the team. Within ten days, he was tossing batting practice to future Hall of Famers Paul Waner and Ernie Lombardi.

Before that, he’d never even been to a major league game.

After two and a half weeks, Johnson signed his first pro contract for $125 a month and got a $100 signing bonus.

The Braves sent him to Hartford of the Class-A Eastern League, where he made his pro debut on August 9, 1942.

Professional Playing Career

Ernie Johnson’s nine-season MLB career ran from 1950 to 1959.

He put up a 40-23 record with a 3.77 ERA in 273 games. He spent most of his time with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves, then finished up with the Baltimore Orioles.

He built a reputation as a reliable relief pitcher thanks to his palmball and ground-ball approach.

Major League Baseball Debut

Johnson made his MLB debut on April 28, 1950, in Philadelphia against the Phillies at Shibe Park.

He came in as a reliever and became the first and only player from Brattleboro, Vermont, to make it to the majors.

His rookie year wasn’t easy. Johnson pitched in just 16 games for the Boston Braves, going 2-0 but struggling with control.

He finished with a 6.97 ERA, which kind of shows how tough it is to adjust to big-league hitters.

The Braves sent him down to Hartford late in the season. Still, he earned $5,000 that year, which he called “real money” compared to the minors.

Johnson’s road to the majors had started back in 1942 when he signed with the Braves.

He played in the Eastern League with Hartford and then moved through the Western League with the Denver Bears. His 1951 season with the Milwaukee Brewers (American Association) really set him up for the big leagues.

Boston Braves and Milwaukee Braves Years

Johnson returned to MLB in 1952 and stuck around for the rest of his career.

He went 6-3 with Boston, even though his arm was sore, working mostly in relief but sometimes starting.

He finished just three games in his whole MLB career, and only one of those was a shutout.

The Braves’ move to Milwaukee in 1953 changed everything for Johnson.

The team became a huge hit in their new city, and Johnson thrived. He once said, “I’ve been in baseball for more than three decades, and I’ve never seen anything remotely close to Milwaukee in the ’50s.”

His best years came with Milwaukee. In 1953, he put up a 2.67 ERA in 35 relief appearances, second on the staff to Warren Spahn’s 2.10 ERA.

The next year, he kept it going with a 2.81 ERA in 40 games.

1957 World Series Performance:

• Games: 1, 3, 6
• Innings: 7
• Hits allowed: 2
• Runs allowed: 1
• Strikeouts: 8
• Walks: 1

The 1957 World Series was the high point of Johnson’s career.

He pitched well against the Yankees, giving up just one run in seven innings over three appearances. The Braves won it all in seven games.

Pitching Style and Role

Johnson became a relief specialist after his early years in the majors.

His signature pitch was the palmball, which wasn’t typical for relievers since it created ground balls instead of strikeouts.

Eddie Mathews, his Hall of Fame teammate, said, “He made my job a lot easier. His palmball would sink and it kept me busy.” That pitch worked great for double plays and quick innings.

At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Johnson used his size to his advantage. His delivery and the palmball’s movement made it tough for hitters to square up the ball.

Oddly enough, Johnson’s worst inning as a starter was usually the first. That made the move to relief a good fit.

He became more effective coming into games in the middle or late innings.

The Milwaukee Braves’ success in the ’50s came from strong pitching. Johnson worked alongside stars like Warren Spahn and helped steady the bullpen during their best years.

Baltimore Orioles and Final Season

Johnson played his last MLB season in 1959 with the Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves traded him after eight seasons, ending a long run with the franchise.

His time in Baltimore was short, but it capped off a solid career. Johnson’s final numbers showed consistency and reliability, even if he wasn’t a dominant star.

Moving to Baltimore closed a chapter. Johnson had been there for the Braves’ transformation from Boston to Milwaukee.

His total association with the Braves would end up stretching 52 years, which is pretty remarkable.

After retiring, Johnson stayed close to baseball. His post-playing days would eventually outshine his pitching years, but those nine seasons on the mound set the stage for everything that came next.

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

Ernie Johnson’s nine-year MLB career hit its peak with his role on the 1957 World Series championship team.

His career stats showed he was a solid relief pitcher, and his long run with the Braves earned him lasting recognition.

1957 World Series Champion

Johnson played a big part in the Milwaukee Braves’ 1957 World Series win over the Yankees.

The series went the full seven games, and Johnson pitched in three of them.

He took the mound in Games One, Three, and Six, giving up only two hits and one run over seven innings.

He struck out eight and walked just one.

The only run he allowed was a home run by Hank Bauer in Game Six. The ball hit the foul pole and ended up being the winning run for New York in that game.

Johnson later described pitching in Yankee Stadium: “I remember walking to the mound and all I could think of was, ‘Son, you’ve made it. You’ve finally made it.’ God, I was so happy. I was walking with the ghosts of Ruth and Gehrig.”

Individual Performance and Statistics

Johnson ended his career with 40 wins and 23 losses in 273 games.

His career ERA was 3.77, and he struck out 319 batters.

He pitched mostly as a reliever after 1952. Johnson completed only three games in his career, including one shutout in 1952.

His best pitch was the palmball, which got ground balls more than strikeouts.

Career Statistics:

• Games: 273
• Wins: 40
• Losses: 23
• ERA: 3.77
• Strikeouts: 319

Johnson’s best season came in 1954, when he posted a 2.81 ERA in 40 games.

That year, he established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in baseball.

Awards and Recognitions

People recognized Johnson during his playing days and long after he retired. In 1954, folks in Brattleboro, Vermont actually organized a special day just for him.

The Vermont Sports Hall of Fame inducted him in 2014. They honored his impact as both a player and a broadcaster.

Johnson stands as the only player from Brattleboro to ever make it to the major leagues. He debuted on April 28, 1950, at age 25.

He spent 52 years with the Braves, which no one else in franchise history has matched. That stretch covered his time as both a player and a broadcaster.

Ernest Thorwald Johnson Sr. kept close ties to the Braves for his entire life. His career with the Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta Braves spanned decades and several cities.

Transition to Broadcasting and Legacy

Johnson’s post-baseball career turned out even more remarkable than his playing days. He built a 52-year relationship with the Braves that made him the franchise’s longest-tenured person ever.

His distinct voice and warm personality won over fans all across the South. Radio and television broadcasts with Johnson reached millions.

Start of Broadcasting Career

After he retired from baseball in 1959, Johnson moved into the Atlanta Braves broadcast booth. His time as a player gave him unique insights that really clicked with listeners and viewers.

He started broadcasting during the Milwaukee years, then followed the franchise to Atlanta in 1966. His firsthand knowledge, gentle manner, and knack for storytelling made him a natural behind the mic.

As a former pitcher, Johnson brought rare credibility to the broadcast booth. He understood pitching strategy and explained tricky situations in ways fans could actually grasp.

His style felt conversational and educational. Johnson never talked down to people, always treating the audience like friends just hanging out to watch a game.

National Recognition on TBS

Johnson’s career hit new heights when Braves games went national on TBS. Suddenly, he wasn’t just a Southern broadcaster—he became a voice known all over America.

TBS brought Braves games into homes everywhere in the 1970s and 1980s. Johnson, along with Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren, formed one of baseball’s most iconic broadcast teams.

His calm, steady approach played off Caray’s more energetic style. The chemistry between them made Braves telecasts a must-watch for fans everywhere.

Johnson’s national presence helped turn the Braves into “America’s Team” during their TBS years. His voice became part of the soundtrack for Southern baseball and summer afternoons across the country.

Impact on Braves Radio and Television

Johnson’s influence stretched across both radio and TV for the Braves. He moved between the two with ease, tweaking his style for each format.

On radio, Johnson painted vivid pictures for listeners. His descriptions helped fans see the action and feel the ballpark’s energy.

On TV, Johnson worked as a color commentator, giving analysis and context while someone else called the play-by-play. His expertise really shined in those moments.

He worked Braves broadcasts for over five decades, covering the team’s move from Milwaukee to Atlanta and seeing countless big moments. His steady presence brought comfort to generations of fans.

Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions

Johnson’s broadcasting excellence brought him plenty of accolades. Organizations and institutions recognized his contributions to baseball broadcasting.

He collected several honors for his work with the Braves. His professionalism and longevity set the bar for broadcasters who came after him.

Johnson’s legacy lives on through his son, Ernie Johnson Jr., who followed his dad into sports broadcasting. The younger Johnson became a big name at Turner Sports and TNT.

The elder Johnson’s impact on baseball broadcasting still shapes the field today. His way of telling stories and breaking down the game helped mold modern sports TV.

Personal Life and Influence

Ernie Johnson Sr. built a strong family foundation, and that led to another generation of broadcasting talent. His move from baseball to the booth created a legacy in sports media that went far beyond his own playing days.

Family and Relationships

Johnson met Lois Denhard at a high school basketball game in 1946. She was working as a cheerleader when he first spotted her. They got married the next year, in 1947.

When Lois asked what he did for work, Johnson said, “Play baseball.” She replied, “No, really, what do you do for a living?” After seeing his first minor-league paycheck, she asked the same thing again.

They had several children together. Their son, Ernest Johnson Jr., was born in 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1964 when Ernie Jr. was eight.

Ernie Jr. followed his father into sports broadcasting. He became a familiar TV presence as host of Inside the NBA on TNT. It turned into a unique father-son legacy in the world of sports broadcasting.

Life After Baseball

Johnson’s life after baseball turned out even more successful than his playing career. He joined the Atlanta Braves broadcast team and worked with the organization for 52 years. No one else in Braves history matched that stretch.

He became a household name through TBS broadcasts. Johnson worked with Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray as the Braves became “America’s Team” on cable TV.

His broadcasting career brought him national attention. Johnson’s warm personality and professionalism made him a beloved figure in baseball media. He helped bring Braves games to fans all over the country through the TBS superstation.

Johnson also worked as a team executive with both the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. His influence reached beyond broadcasting into the business side of baseball.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Ernie Johnson Sr. left a lasting mark on the Atlanta Braves organization. His 52-year relationship with the franchise became legendary, and people continue to honor his contributions through various memorials and remembrances.

Influence on the Braves Franchise

Johnson shaped the Braves organization in ways few others ever have. His 52-year run with the franchise stands as the longest tenure of anyone in team history.

He retired as a player in 1959, then jumped straight into broadcasting. Johnson joined the Braves broadcast team in 1962 and took over as the main play-by-play announcer in 1966 when the team moved to Atlanta.

His broadcasting career rose alongside cable TV’s growth. Johnson’s voice became almost interchangeable with Braves baseball as TBS Superstation aired games nationwide. That exposure helped build a national fanbase for the Braves.

He worked with Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray to form one of baseball’s most respected broadcast teams. Their chemistry and professionalism made watching games better for millions.

Fans knew Johnson for his gentlemanly approach and warm delivery. His deep understanding of the game, plus his experience as a player, brought valuable insights to broadcasts for decades.

Memorials and Remembrances

The Braves organization has kept Johnson’s memory alive with several lasting tributes. You can still see his legacy at Truist Park, where the team finds ways to celebrate him.

People in Atlanta remember Johnson as more than just a name in the record books. Fans think of him as the familiar voice that brought Braves baseball into their living rooms back when the games were on national TV.

His Vermont roots always meant a lot to him. Folks in Brattleboro even put together special events, like “Ernie Johnson Day” during his playing days, to cheer on their hometown hero who made it big.

If you visit his grave, you’ll notice it honors both sides of his career. The marker reads, “In his playing days, he was a pretty good relief pitcher. However, he made his fame as an announcer for the Atlanta Braves for decades.”

The Braves still feel his impact today. Their broadcasting traditions and pursuit of excellence owe a lot to what he started.