Tim Johnson's journey in professional baseball began when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 28th round of the 1967 Major League Baseball Draft. Although he initially played in the minor leagues, Johnson's skills as a shortstop eventually earned him a spot in the major leagues. He made his MLB debut with the Brewers on April 6, 1973. During his time with Milwaukee, Johnson was known for his defensive abilities and his role as a utility infielder.
In 1974, Johnson was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he continued to play as a shortstop and second baseman. His tenure with the Blue Jays was marked by consistent fielding and a steady presence in the infield. Although not known for his batting prowess, Johnson's defensive skills were an asset to the teams he played for.
After his playing career ended in 1979, Johnson transitioned into coaching and managing. He began his coaching career in the minor leagues, where he worked with various teams and honed his skills as a manager. His experience as a player provided him with valuable insights into the game, which he used to guide young players in their development.
In 1998, Johnson was appointed as the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. His time as a manager was brief, lasting only one season. During his tenure, the Blue Jays finished with an 88-74 record, which was a respectable performance. However, Johnson's managerial career was overshadowed by controversy when it was revealed that he had fabricated stories about his military service during the Vietnam War. This revelation led to his dismissal from the team.
Despite the controversy, Johnson continued to work in baseball, taking on various coaching and managerial roles in the minor leagues and independent leagues.
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