Jim Johnson, a right-handed pitcher, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball, primarily known for his role as a relief pitcher. Born on June 27, 1983, in Johnson City, New York, he attended Union-Endicott High School and later played college baseball at the State University of New York at Binghamton. His professional journey began when the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB Draft.
Johnson's early years in the minor leagues were marked by steady development, and he made his MLB debut with the Orioles on July 29, 2006. Initially, he oscillated between the majors and minors, but by 2008, he had secured a more permanent spot in the Orioles' bullpen. That year, he appeared in 54 games, posting a commendable 2.23 ERA, which established him as a reliable setup man.
The 2012 season was a standout year for Johnson. Transitioning into the role of the Orioles' closer, he led the American League with 51 saves, earning him an All-Star selection and the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. His performance was instrumental in helping the Orioles reach the postseason for the first time in 15 years. Johnson continued his dominance in 2013, again leading the league with 50 saves, making him one of the few pitchers in MLB history to achieve back-to-back 50-save seasons.
However, Johnson's career faced challenges following his successful stint with the Orioles. In December 2013, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. His time with the Athletics in 2014 was rocky, as he struggled with control and consistency, leading to his release mid-season. He briefly joined the Detroit Tigers but was unable to regain his previous form.
In 2015, Johnson signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he began to rebuild his career. He showed glimpses of his former self, and after a short stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he returned to the Braves later that year. Johnson's tenure with the Braves from 2015 to 2017 saw him serve as both a setup man and closer, providing veteran leadership to a young bullpen.
The Los Angeles Angels acquired Johnson in a trade in November 2017. He spent the 2018 season with the Angels, appearing in 61 games and recording a 3.84 ERA. This season marked the end of his MLB playing days, as he did not return to the majors after 2018.
Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his sinkerball, which induced ground balls and helped him navigate through high-pressure situations.
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