Mamie Johnson

Mamie %22Peanut%22 Johnson

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson (September 27, 1935 – December 18, 2017) was one of the first female pitchers in Negro league baseball, and the first female pitcher to play in the Negro leagues. Her nickname, "Peanut", was given to her by a teammate due to her height of 5 feet, 3 inches. Overcoming numerous obstacles, including gender and racial discrimination, Johnson's career in baseball is a testament to her resilience and passion for the game.

Early Life

Born in Ridgeway, South Carolina, Johnson moved to Washington, D.C. at a young age. She developed a love for baseball early in life, playing in local sandlot games. Despite her talent, Johnson faced significant barriers to playing baseball at a professional level due to her gender and race.

Career

Johnson's professional baseball career began after she was denied the opportunity to try out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was segregated and did not allow African American players. This rejection, however, did not deter her. Instead, it led her to the Negro leagues, where she tried out for and made the Indianapolis Clowns team in 1953, becoming one of three women, alongside Toni Stone and Connie Morgan, to play in the Negro leagues.

During her three seasons with the Clowns, from 1953 to 1955, Johnson compiled a pitching record of 33 wins and 8 losses. Her playing style was notable for her strong pitching arm and her ability to outsmart batters. Johnson's contributions to the team were significant, helping the Clowns draw large crowds and maintain their status as a competitive team in the league.

Post-Baseball Career

After her baseball career ended, Johnson earned a nursing degree and worked in the field for 30 years. She also owned a Negro leagues memorabilia shop in Maryland, sharing her love and knowledge of the game with others. Throughout her life, Johnson was an advocate for the recognition of the Negro leagues and its players, contributing to the preservation of its history.

Legacy

Mamie Johnson's legacy in baseball and American sports history is profound. She broke gender barriers in a male-dominated sport and paved the way for future generations of female athletes. Her story is a powerful example of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Johnson's contributions to baseball and her role in breaking racial and gender barriers have been recognized in various ways. She has been featured in documentaries, books, and museum exhibits that highlight the history of the Negro leagues and the contributions of its players.

Death

Mamie Johnson passed away on December 18, 2017, at the age of 82. Her passing was mourned by many in the baseball community and beyond, who remembered her as a trailblazer and a symbol of courage and resilience.

See Also

• Negro league baseball
• Indianapolis Clowns
• Toni Stone
• Connie Morgan