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Wade Johnston
Wade Johnston Baseball.jpg
Outfielder
Born: (1898-04-09)April 9, 1898
Middleport, Ohio
Died: March 8, 1978(1978-03-08) (aged 79)
Steubenville, Ohio
Batted: Left Threw: Left
Teams

William Wade Johnston was an American baseball player. He was born on April 9, 1898, in Middleport, Ohio. Wade played as an outfielder in the Negro major leagues from 1920 to 1932.

During his 12 seasons, he had a strong batting record. He achieved a .303 batting average and a .373 on-base percentage. He also collected 790 hits, scored 487 runs, and had 371 RBIs. Wade led the Negro National League in 1930 with 10 triples. The next year, in 1931, he led the league with 35 walks. He passed away on March 8, 1978, in Steubenville, Ohio.

Wade Johnston's Baseball Career

Wade Johnston was a talented baseball player who made his mark in the Negro major leagues. These leagues were professional baseball leagues for African American players. They existed at a time when Black players were not allowed to play in Major League Baseball.

Playing as an Outfielder

Wade played as an outfielder, which means he was one of the three players who cover the outfield area of the baseball field. Outfielders are responsible for catching fly balls and fielding ground balls hit into the outfield. They also throw the ball back to the infield.

Teams Wade Johnston Played For

Wade Johnston played for several different teams during his career. He started in 1920 with the Detroit Stars and the Indianapolis ABCs. He later played for the Cleveland Tate Stars and the famous Kansas City Monarchs.

Journey Through the Leagues

His career also included time with the Baltimore Black Sox and the St. Louis Stars. Towards the end of his career, he returned to the Indianapolis ABCs, which were sometimes known as the Detroit Stars. Playing for many teams showed his skill and how valuable he was as a player.

Impressive Batting Statistics

Wade Johnston was known for his strong hitting. His .303 batting average means he got a hit about 303 times out of every 1,000 times he was at bat. This is a very good average in baseball. His .373 on-base percentage shows how often he reached base safely, either by a hit, a walk, or being hit by a pitch.

Key Achievements in Hitting

He collected 790 hits, which are times he successfully hit the ball and reached a base. He also scored 487 runs, meaning he crossed home plate that many times. His 371 RBIs, or Runs Batted In, show how many runs he helped his teammates score.

Leading the League

In 1930, Wade led the Negro National League with 10 triples. A triple is a hit where the batter reaches third base safely. The next year, in 1931, he led the league with 35 walks. A walk happens when a pitcher throws four pitches outside the strike zone, and the batter gets to go to first base for free.

Early Life and Passing

Wade Johnston was born in Middleport, Ohio, in 1898. He lived a long life and passed away in 1978 in Steubenville, Ohio. His contributions to baseball, especially during the era of the Negro Leagues, are an important part of sports history.

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