Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Field?
Last week, DC Council Member Tommy Wells introduced the "Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010" which will name the multipurpose field at the Rosedale Recreation Center after Mamie "Peanut" Johnson. The field is located just a few blocks from RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
Johnson's big break came while practicing at Rosedale Recreation Center in 1953 when former player Bish Tyson observed her skills. After one tryout with Bunny Downs, Johnson joined the Indianapolis Clowns.
In 2008, Johnson was drafted by the Washington Nationals in a special Negro Leagues Player Draft by Major League Baseball. At the time, former general manager Jim Bowden described Johnson as "an exceptional person, who had an extraordinary ability and talent."
"Mamie competed with some of the best ballplayers of her era, and she did so with success and determination...Any organization would take a person and pitcher of her caliber any day of the week," he continued.
Johnson compiled a 38-6 lifetime record in three seasons as one of only three women to play in the Negro Leagues.
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That's great! I heard Johnson speak at a baseball-related function last year, and she was very interesting and entertaining. Good for her!
1a, was she throwing strikes? We could use a proven winner in the rotation, which is perilously short of that style of ballplayer.
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was a wonderful player and pitcher in the 1950's. It's good to see that more groups and organizations like our Washington, D. C., Home Plate Club (Est. 1951), are honoring Ms. Johnson. Back in 2004 we honored her along with three other former Negro Baseball League Players. It's wonderful to see others doing the right thing and giving Ms. Johnson the recognition she so richly deserves.
Bob Schnebly
"Former" Chairman, Sandlot Hall of Fame
Washington, D. C. Home Plate Club (Est. 1951)
She was definitely throwing rhetorical strikes, tomterp. I didn't get to see her throw a pitch, but *did* look to be in good shape. ;-)