Walter Johnson was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, who played his entire 21-year career with the Washington Senators. He set several records, some of which remain unbroken, and was known for his gentle nature and sportsmanship. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its first five members in 1936. But how did he die and what was his cause of death?
Early Life and Career
Walter Johnson was born on November 6, 1887, in Humboldt, Kansas, as the second of six children. He grew up on a farm and developed a strong arm by throwing rocks at rabbits. He started playing baseball at a young age and was discovered by a scout while pitching for a semi-professional team in Idaho. He signed with the Washington Senators in 1907 and made his major league debut on August 2, at the age of 19.
Johnson quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game, with his blazing fastball and impeccable control. He led the American League in strikeouts 12 times, a record that still stands, and won the pitching Triple Crown (leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts) three times. He also pitched a no-hitter in 1920 and won the World Series with the Senators in 1924. He retired as a player in 1927, with a career record of 417 wins and 279 losses, a 2.17 ERA, and 3,508 strikeouts. He was the first pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts and held the career record until 1983.
Illness and Death
After retiring as a player, Johnson became a manager for the Senators and later for the Cleveland Indians. He also worked as a radio broadcaster and a farm owner. He married twice and had five children. He was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans, and was nicknamed “the Big Train” for his power and durability.
In 1940, Johnson was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which affected his vision and speech. He underwent several surgeries and treatments, but his condition worsened over time. He died on December 10, 1946, at the age of 59, in Washington, D.C. His cause of death was brain cancer, according to Wikipedia He was buried at Rockville Cemetery in Maryland, where his grave is marked by a simple headstone.
Legacy and Honors
Walter Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and one of the most influential figures in baseball history. He was a pioneer of the modern pitching style, and influenced generations of pitchers who followed him. He was also a role model of sportsmanship and humility, and was loved by his teammates and opponents alike. He was honored by many awards and recognitions, such as:
- He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, with 83.6% of the votes, on the first ballot.
- He was named the greatest right-handed pitcher of the 20th century by The Sporting News in 1999.
- He was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team and the Major League Baseball All-Time Team in 1999.
- He was ranked #4 on the list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players by The Sporting News in 1999, and #8 on the list of the 100 Greatest North American Athletes of the 20th Century by ESPN in 1999.
- He was inducted into the Washington Nationals Ring of Honor in 2010.
- His number 10 was retired by the Washington Senators in 1975, and by the Minnesota Twins (the successor franchise of the Senators) in 2010.
- A statue of him was erected outside Nationals Park in 2009.
- A bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., was named after him in 1964.
- A high school in Bethesda, Maryland, was named after him in 1956.
Walter Johnson was a legend of baseball and a hero of his era. His cause of death was a tragic end to a brilliant life, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans and admirers. He was a true gentleman of the game, and a great American.
