Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his durability and consistency as a pitcher. He spent the early years of his career with the Tigers, where he developed his skills and gained valuable experience. His time with Detroit lasted until 1925, after which he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. This move marked a significant phase in his career, as he became an integral part of the Cardinals' pitching staff.
Johnson's tenure with the Cardinals was marked by steady performances. He was part of the team during the 1926 season when the Cardinals won the World Series, although he did not play in the series itself. His role as a pitcher was primarily as a starter, but he also contributed as a reliever when needed. Johnson's ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff made him a valuable asset to the team.
In 1930, Johnson was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he continued to demonstrate his pitching prowess. His time with the Reds was relatively short, as he returned to the Cardinals in 1932. This second stint with St. Louis saw him continue to be a reliable option on the mound, contributing to the team's efforts in various capacities.
Johnson's career took another turn when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1934. With the Phillies, he continued to pitch effectively, providing veteran leadership to a team that was in the process of rebuilding. His experience and knowledge of the game were beneficial to the younger players on the roster.
Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his strong work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. He was not a pitcher who relied on overpowering speed but rather on control and strategy to outwit batters. His approach to pitching allowed him to maintain a lengthy career in the major leagues, a testament to his skill and understanding of the game.
Syl Johnson's career came to a close in 1940, after which he retired from professional baseball. Over the course of his career, he accumulated a win-loss record of 112-117, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.06 and 830 strikeouts. These statistics reflect a solid career spent in the major leagues, during which he faced some of the toughest competition of his time.
After retiring from baseball, Johnson's life outside the sport remains less documented. However, his years on the mound left a lasting impression on those who followed his career. Syl Johnson passed away on February 20, 1985, in Portland, Oregon, the city of his birth.
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