{{short description|American baseball player (born 1982)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Rob Johnson |image = 001U2383 Rob Johnson (cropped).jpg |caption = Johnson with the Seattle Mariners in 2009 |width = 200px |position = Catcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|7|22}} |birth_place = Anaconda, Montana, U.S. |bats = Right |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = September 4 |debutyear = 2007 |debutteam = Seattle Mariners |finalleague = MLB |finaldate = September 14 |finalyear = 2013 |finalteam = St. Louis Cardinals |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Batting average |stat1value = .200 |stat2label = Home runs |stat2value = 8 |stat3label = Runs batted in |stat3value = 64 |teams = * Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2007}}–{{mlby|2010}}) * San Diego Padres ({{mlby|2011}}) * New York Mets ({{mlby|2012}}) * St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2013}}) }} '''Robert James Johnson''' (born July 22, 1982) is an American former professional baseball catcher and pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals from 2007 to 2013.
==Amateur career== Johnson attended Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California, and was named MVP of the Orange Empire League in {{Baseball year|2003}}. In 2003, he attended the University of Houston for one season.<ref name=FoleyB-TMS-2009-04-17 /> In the summer of 2003, he played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date= |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=Cape Cod Baseball}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2003 Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/summer_stats/2003~Yarmouth-Dennis_Red_Sox~CapeCod/ |accessdate=2025-05-03 |website=The Baseball Cube}}</ref> He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 4th round (123rd overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball draft.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=June 7, 2004 |title=MLB 2004 Draft selections |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1817616 |access-date=September 25, 2019 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===Seattle Mariners=== Following a breakout {{Baseball year|2005}} season, Seattle Mariners General Manager Bill Bavasi promoted Johnson to the Triple-A level Tacoma Rainiers at the start of the {{Baseball year|2006}}. After the free agent signing of Japanese baseball star catcher Kenji Johjima and the selection of USC slugging catcher Jeff Clement, Johnson moved down the Mariners organizational depth chart. In {{Baseball year|2007}}, he was named the Tacoma Rainiers team captain.<ref name="marinersprofile"/>
Johnson made his MLB debut on September 4, {{mlby|2007}}, and played sparingly for the rest of the campaign with the Mariners. He had 1 hit (his first in MLB) in 3 at-bats and also stole a base during his callup, during which he appeared in 6 games.<ref name="marinersprofile"/>
Johnson was recalled to Seattle for the final month of the {{mlby|2008}} season when the rosters expanded from 25 to 40 for the month of September during which he hit his first major league home run, a two-run blast off of Jerry Blevins of the Oakland Athletics in a game on September 27 at Safeco Field. He played in the Arizona Fall League after the season.<ref name="marinersprofile">{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=2008-09-19 |title=Johnson knows hits are coming |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080919&content_id=3511554&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617080535/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080919&content_id=3511554&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=2011-06-17 |website=MLB.com}}</ref>
Going into {{mlby|2009}} spring training, it was thought that catcher Jeff Clement would be the back-up catcher and designated hitter on the opening day roster.<ref name="backup catcher"/> However, with the signing of the left-handed hitting Ken Griffey Jr., Clement would have little playing time at the designated hitter position.<ref name="backup catcher"/> This left the door open for Johnson on the opening day roster.<ref name="backup catcher"/>
In 2009, Johnson cracked the opening day roster with the Mariners for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |author=Booth |first=Tim |date=March 30, 2009 |title=Johjima has short span to get ready for M's opener |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-03-30-1627017639_x.htm |access-date=January 19, 2010 |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Primarily used as a back-up catcher in the beginning on the season, Johnson later became the a starter due to his good rapport with the Mariners' pitching staff and an early season injury to primary catcher Kenji Johjima.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 16, 2009 |title=Mariners C Johjima on DL with hamstring injury |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-04-16-1627017639_x.htm |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Street |first=Jim |date=April 17, 2009 |title=Mariners turn to Johnson at catcher |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090416&content_id=4303528&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420231600/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090416&content_id=4303528&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=April 20, 2009 |work=MLB.com}}</ref> When Johjima was activated from the disabled list Johnson again became the back-up catcher.<ref>{{cite web |author=Booth |first=Tim |date=May 1, 2009 |title=Johjima comes off DL and back into Mariners lineup |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-05-01-3143002809_x.htm |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> However, Johjima again went on the disabled list in late-May and Johnson became the primary catcher again.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Johjima put on DL with broken big toe |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4207589 |access-date=January 19, 2010 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu stated that Johnson handled the pitching staff better than Johjima.<ref>{{cite web |author=Stone |first=Larry |date=July 20, 2009 |title=Wakamatsu likes the way Rob Johnson has been working with best pitchers |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2009501290_marinote20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724083818/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2009501290_marinote20.html |archive-date=2009-07-24 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>
On June 13, Johnson was placed on the bereavement list to respond to a "family emergency". On June 19, he was activated from the bereavement list.<ref>{{cite web |author=Baker |first=Geoff |date=June 19, 2009 |title=Mariners designate Guillermo Quiroz, activate Rob Johnson, claim infielder Josh Wilson off waivers |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-designate-guillermo-quiroz-activate-rob-johnson-claim-infielder-josh-wilson-off-waivers/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>
In a 7–6 Mariners win over the Boston Red Sox, Johnson tied a club record with three doubles in one game on July 3.<ref name="double">{{cite web |author=Baker |first=Geoff |date=July 4, 2009 |title=Rob Johnson's double in 11th powers Mariners past Red Sox, 7-6 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/rob-johnsons-double-in-11th-powers-mariners-past-red-sox-7-6/ |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> His third double of the game became the decisive hit as it scored the winning run for the Mariners in the top of the 11th inning in Fenway Park.<ref name="double"/>
At season's end it was reported that Johnson would undergo three surgeries, the first on his left hip, the second on his right hip and the third on his left wrist. He was expected to make a recovery in time for spring training.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-13 |title=Hip, wrist surgeries for Johnson |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4557061 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=2009-10-13 |title=Mariners catcher Rob Johnson faces offseason full of surgeries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-catcher-rob-johnson-faces-offseason-full-of-surgeries/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Johnson's hip ailments were detected during an MRI exam on October 5 in Seattle. It was a similar injury sustained by Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=2009-10-13 |title=Johnson prepares for multiple surgeries |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091012&content_id=7440278&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023085026/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091012&content_id=7440278&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2013-10-23 |website=MLB.com}}</ref>
Johnson's 2010 season was a disappointment, hitting .191/.293/.281 in 61 games for the Mariners. He was demoted to the AAA Tacoma Rainiers on August 3,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-08-03 |title=Mariners demote former starting catcher Rob Johnson |url=http://www.komonews.com/sports/99875139.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402235557/http://www.komonews.com/sports/99875139.html |archive-date=2012-04-02 |website=KOMO News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> where he hit .297/.403/.453 in 19 games. On December 13, he was designated for assignment by the Mariners.<ref name=":0" />
===San Diego Padres=== The Mariners traded Johnson to the San Diego Padres on December 21, 2010 for cash or a player to be named later.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Divish |first=Ryan |author-link=Ryan Divish |date=2010-12-21 |title=Mariners trade Rob Johnson to Padres |url=http://blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2010/12/21/mariners-trade-rob-johnson-to-padres/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141109163234/http://blog.thenewstribune.com/mariners/2010/12/21/mariners-trade-rob-johnson-to-padres/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |website=The News-Tribune}}</ref> He played in 67 games for the Padres, batting .190 as a back up to Nick Hundley. He elected free agency after the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 San Diego Padres Fielding Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/2011-fielding.shtml |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rob Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsro07.shtml |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
===New York Mets=== On December 22, 2011, Johnson signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets with an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/37316/mets-add-johnson-to-catching-mix |title=Mets add Johnson to catching mix |work=ESPNNewYork |first=Adam |last=Rubin |date=December 22, 2011}}</ref> On May 8, 2012, Johnson was called up after Josh Thole was sent to the 7-day disabled list. On May 18, 2012, Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth inning in a 14–5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 May 2012 |title=MLB - New York Mets/Toronto Blue Jays Box Score Friday May 18, 2012 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=320518114 |access-date=19 May 2012 |website=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Johnson became the first position player to pitch for the Mets since Todd Zeile on July 26, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last=Puma |first=Mike |date=19 May 2012 |title=Johnson bails out Mets in blowout |url=https://nypost.com/2012/05/19/johnson-bails-out-mets-in-blowout/ |access-date=19 May 2012 |website=New York Post}}</ref> After hitting .313/.371/.344 over 34 at-bats while sharing time behind the plate with Mike Nickeas, Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo upon Thole's return on June 1. On June 25, he was recalled after Nickeas was sent down, only to get sent back down to Buffalo on August 15 after the Mets traded for Kelly Shoppach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-15 |title=Johnson demoted to clear roster spot |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/54531/johnson-demoted-to-clear-roster-spot |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The move was rescinded and Johnson was placed on the disabled list after it was discovered he had suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb. His season over, Johnson was outrighted off the Mets' 40-man roster October 17 and became a free agent.<ref name="Langosch">{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=13 November 2012 |title=Cardinals agree on Minors deal with catcher Johnson |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121113&content_id=40270308&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530071321/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121113&content_id=40270308&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=May 30, 2014 |website=MLB.com}}</ref>
===St. Louis Cardinals=== [[File:Rob Johnson on May 5, 2013.jpg|200px|thumb|Johnson playing for the Memphis Redbirds, triple-A affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals, in {{By|2013}}]] On November 13, 2012, Johnson signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals with a non-roster invitation to spring training.<ref name="Langosch"/> St. Louis purchased called him up from Triple-A on July 9, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=July 9, 2013 |title=Cards release Wigginton, call up Triple-A catcher |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130709&content_id=53203672&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022194720/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130709&content_id=53203672&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-date=2013-10-22 |work=MLB.com}}</ref> Johnson pitched to secure the final out in a 13–4 loss to the Dodgers on August 7, 2013. He struck out Dodgers' rookie pitcher Paco Rodriguez on 4 pitches.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thornburg |first=Chad |date=August 8, 2013 |title=Dodgers plate six runs in second, blow out Cardinals |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-plate-six-runs-in-second-inning-blow-out-cardinals/c-56167248 |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=MLB.com}}</ref> The Cardinals released Johnson on November 5, and he elected free agency. He had 35 at-bats with St. Louis in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=5 November 2013 |title=Chambers among three outrighted off 40-man roster |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adron-chambers-among-three-outrighted-off-st-louis-cardinals-40-man-roster/c-63695252 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=MLB.com}}</ref>
===San Diego Padres (second stint)=== Johnson signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres on February 14, 2014, intending to switch to pitching full-time.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor Moves: Robinson, Knapp, Egan, Morillo, Garrison, Wrigley, Geer, Johnson|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/02/minor-moves-knapp-egan-morillo-garrison-wrigley-geer-johnson.html|access-date=October 30, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Brock|first=Corey|url=http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/2014/03/09/68997278/once-a-catcher-rob-johnson-returns-to-padres-on-the-mound|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313150408/http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/2014/03/09/68997278/once-a-catcher-rob-johnson-returns-to-padres-on-the-mound|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2014|title=Once a catcher, Johnson returns to Padres on the hill|work=MLB.com|date=March 9, 2014|access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref> However, after being sidelined in the spring due to elbow pain, Johnson learned that he had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm and would need to undergo Tommy John surgery in order to catch again.
On May 23, 2014, Johnson announced via his official Facebook page that he had chosen to retire from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite web|title=Update from personal Facebook page|website=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/RobJohnsonofficialpage/posts/512614242195312|date=May 23, 2014|access-date=May 26, 2015}}</ref>
==Personal life== Born in Butte, Montana, Johnson played Little League in Whitehall.<ref name=FoleyB-TMS-2009-04-17>Foley, Bill (April 17, 2009). "Life in the Big Leagues: Butte's Robbie Johnson living the dream". - ''The Montana Standard''.</ref> He attended Butte Central Catholic High School (graduated 2001). He played for the local American Legion team. (Montana and Wyoming were the only states without high school baseball).<ref name=FoleyB-TMS-2009-04-17/> He worked on his family ranch through his junior year in high school.<ref name="backup catcher">{{cite web |author=Baker |first=Geoff |date=March 22, 2009 |title=Mariners' Rob Johnson in the mix for backup catcher spot |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-rob-johnson-in-the-mix-for-backup-catcher-spot/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>
==Family== Johnson resides in Austin, Texas. He married in 2006, and he and his wife have four children.<ref name="Butte's Rob Johnson">{{cite web |author=Foley |first=Bill |date=April 17, 2009 |title=Butte's Rob Johnson catching for Seattle Mariners |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-04-17-1554030405_x.htm |access-date=2025-05-03 |work=USAToday}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|2}}
==External links== {{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} {{Baseballstats |mlb=453531 |espn=28866 |br=j/johnsro07 |fangraphs=8029&position=C |brm=johnso009rob}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Rob}} Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:Seattle Mariners players Category:San Diego Padres players Category:New York Mets players Category:St. Louis Cardinals players Category:Baseball players from Montana Category:Houston Cougars baseball players Category:Major League Baseball catchers Category:Saddleback Bobcats baseball players Category:Arizona League Mariners players Category:Everett AquaSox players Category:Inland Empire 66ers players Category:Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players Category:Tacoma Rainiers players Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Category:Memphis Redbirds players Category:Sportspeople from Butte, Montana Category:Peoria Javelinas players Category:Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox players Category:2005 Baseball World Cup players