PJ Johnson

Class of 2022

Catcher

Eau Claire Pioneers 1990-91; Augusta Athletics 1992-95; Hallie Eagles 1996-98

A prototypical catcher in both stature and skill, PJ Johnson played on a winning team in every one of his nine CRBL seasons. It is without question that the rifle-armed catcher with the big bat was a pivotal factor in the extreme success each of his team’s enjoyed. A right-handed batter, PJ hit .300 or better in seven of his nine CRBL campaigns. Moreover, he exceeded .400 in three seasons — .462 in 1992, .443 in 1994, .441 in 1995 — with his career high of .462 (30 for 65) coming in 1992 when he tied for the CRBL lead in hits with 30 during just 17 league games. While knocking in 126 runs in 134 CRBL games, Johnson had three seasons of 20 or more RBI’s (1992, 1993, 1994) with a career high of 25 RBI’s in 1994 during a 16-game ledger. Perhaps no player in CRBL history contributed to more team success within a career than PJ did. In total, across three teams, Johnson remarkably played in the WBA in each of his nine CRBL campaigns. Moreover, he played on a South Division winning squad seven times, a CRBL champion four times (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996), as well as playing in seven CRBL championship contests. A competitive and well-liked player, PJ is most synonymous with the fearsome Augusta Athletics teams of the early to mid-1990’s. Enjoying some of his best years for the A’s, Johnson was a vital cog to Augusta’s WBA runner-up finish in 1993 as well as their WBA championship in 1994. A six-time CRBL All-Star, PJ was selected All-CRBL at catcher for his standout play in 1994. He was also bestowed Honorable Mention All-CRBL status as a catcher in both 1992 and 1995. His annually strong output at the plate resulted in a robust lifetime average of .367 as well as a healthy OPS. of .988 as he retired just shy of qualifying for the all-time leaders in “slash line” categories. With his Hall of Fame induction, PJ Johnson rightfully takes his place as one of the best defensive and offensive catchers in the history of the Chippewa River Baseball League.