1976 Topps #448 - Tom Johnson

• Tom Johnson pitched parts of five seasons for the Minnesota Twins from 1974-1978. Johnson was signed by the Twins in 1969. He pitched in the minors from 1970-1974 and was called up late in the 1974 season. Tom went 2-0 with one save and had a 0.00 ERA in four games in 1974.
• In 1975 Johnson pitched for AAA Tacoma until early July. He pitched in 18 games for the Twins in 1975 and was 1-2 with a 4.19 ERA. Tom split time between Tacoma and Minnesota again in 1976. Johnson was 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 18 games for the Twins in 1976.
• Johnson had his big year in 1977. He went 16-7 with 15 saves and had a 3.13 ERA in 71 games. The 16 victories is a large number for a relief pitcher. Roy Face has the all-time record for relief wins with 18.
• Tom fell off badly in 1978, probably due to an injury. He went 1-4 with a 5.51 ERA in 18 games. Johnson was released by the Twins before the 1979 season. He signed with the Chicago White Sox in October of 1979 and pitched in the minors in 1980 but he didn't make it back to the majors.