While the past week has been a success for Los Angeles Dodgers on the field, they have endured losses off it, with the latest being “Sweet” Lou Johnson passing away Thursday night at the age of 86.
Born Louis Brown Johnson on Sept. 22, 1934, in Lexington, Kentucky, he is survived by his wife Sarah and children Lauren, Carlton and Quinton. Funeral services are pending.
“Lou Johnson was such a positive inspiration at Dodger Stadium with our employees and our fans as well as throughout the community in the appearances he made on behalf of the organization,” Dodgers president & CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“Dodger fans will always remember his important home run in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series, when he was clapping his hands running around the bases.”
Johnson’s upbeat and kind personality earned him the “Sweet Lou” nickname after being recalled by the Dodgers during the 1965 season in the wake of Tommy Davis suffering a dislocated ankle. Johnson had two memorable moments with the team that year.
On Sept. 9, 1965, he had the Dodgers’ only hit and scored their lone run in Sandy Koufax’s perfect game against the Chicago Cubs. Then as referenced by Kasten, Johnson hit a key home run against the Minnesota Twins in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series.
Johnson spent eight seasons in the Majors, playing for the Chicago Cubs Cubs (1960, ‘68), L.A. and California Angels (1961, ‘69), Milwaukee Braves (1962), Dodgers (1965–67) and Cleveland Indians (1968).
He hit .258/.311/.389 with 97 doubles, 14 triples, 48 home runs, 232 RBI and 50 stolen bases over parts of eight seasons in the Majors. Including his time as a player and front office employee in the community relations department, Johnson spent 40 seasons with the Dodgers organization.
Dodgers mourning loss of Johnstone
Earlier this week, news of Jay Johnstone passing away was shared by his daughter. The beloved former Dodgers outfielder is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jayne Johnstone, their daughter Mary Jayne and son-in-law Ryan Dudasik.
Johnstone was 74 and died after a battle with coronavirus (COVID-19).
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