Peanut Johnson – Pitch Perfect
By
John C Abercrombie
Born September 27, 1935 in Ridgeway, South Carolina. A lover of baseball as a child, Johnson became immortalized as a premier pitcher in the famed Negro Leagues.
Johnson became one of only 3 women to play in the famed Negro Leagues and had an outstanding career playing against some of the best players in the history of the game. The other two women are Marcenia Lyle Alberga, playing under the name Toni Stone and Constance “Connie Enola” Morgan.
Johnson joined the team as a regular pitcher and was solidly entrenched in the pitching routine. Her remarkable record in the 3 years that she played was 33-8. Her lifetime batting average was .278. When not pitching, she often played 2nd base.
As a young girl, she developed a love of the game. Because of her love of the game and access to the only place large enough to hold a field for Black people in Ridgeway, Johnson was guaranteed to play. Baseball was a passion. Because people didn’t have money, they made their own baseballs.
When her grandmother died, she moved to New Jersey to live with an Uncle and Aunt. Her passion for the game made the trip as well. Just as in Ridgeway, she was always on the lookout for a game.
Unlike Ridgeway, being a girl prevented her from playing in a league with the boys. She played sandlot ball whenever given the chance. It was at one of these games that a coach saw her play and invited her to play with the boys.
When the girls formed “A League of their Own” she was not permitted to play because of the color of her skin. It is believed that the scene from the movie by that name that the Black girl that threw the ball back on the field was Johnson.
The professional team she played for was the Indianapolis “Clowns”. While the mascot was the “Clowns” they played serious baseball. There were openings and owners looking for attractions able to play high caliber ball.
As we look at the caliber of player in the Negro Leagues we see Toni Stone replaced Hank Aaron when he moved to the Major Leagues. Satchel Paige helped Mamie “Peanut” Johnson perfect her curve ball.
Jackie Robinson came from the Negro Leagues.
The story of Mamie Johnson is one of overcoming seemingly impossible odds. Even the best Black players of the day were prevented from playing with the White boys. The Black players frequently beat the best of the White players and here we have a small stature Black woman hold her own among the best players of the day.
It is our intent to provide historical material that has for way too long been ignored. Stories of people who have overcome huge obstacles because of their determination, intellect and willingness to pay the price for success. It is our hope that regardless of your race, gender, religion or any other factor that you discover your amazing inner-self and develop the desire to not only succeed, but to excel.
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Books and Special Offers!
Below the books and special offers are some amazing videos of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. A person honored by the White House in a special ceremony.
For more information on the story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson check out
**“A Strong Right Arm” by Michelle Y. Green
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
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An excellent way to reward the scholar in your life or use for anyone for any occasion.
Gift Cards with NO Expiration date.
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The Most Famous Woman in Baseball: Effa Manley and the Negro Leagues.
This book is not about Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, but may be of interest to those looking at the history of the Negro Leagues.
ABH – The Most Famous Woman in Baseball
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The gift of reading. Access to over 1,000,000 books all genre
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We Are the Ship:
The Story of Negro League Baseball. Not a story about Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, but of interest to those interested in the history of the Negro Leagues.
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For the shopper – updated hourly:
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Negro League Baseball: The Rise and Ruin of a Black Institution
The story of black professional baseball provides a remarkable perspective on several major themes in modern African American history: the initial black response to segregation, the subsequent struggle to establish successful separate enterprises, and the later movement toward integration. Baseball functioned as a critical component in the separate economy catering to black consumers in the urban centers of the North and South. While most black businesses struggled to survive from year to year, professional baseball teams and leagues operated for decades, representing a major achievement in black enterprise and institution building.
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Prime Pantry – a great offer!
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Let’s look at Mamie “Peanut” Johnson in action. Here are some videos of this legendary woman.
Mamie talks about her early days, even making a baseball in order to play
Mamie Johnson interviewed at the field
Mo’ne Davis meets Peanut Johnson.
Making history in her own way. Mo’ne Davis is the first girl to win and pitch a shutout in a Little League World Series. Mo’ne is the first Little League baseball player to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated magazine.
A tribute and obituary to Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
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