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Oscar “Heavy” Johnson was primarily an outfielder that also spent time at catcher and second base during his 12-year career. He played for the Kansas City Monarchs, Baltimore Black Sox, Harrisburg Giants, Cleveland Tigers, and Memphis Red Sox. As far as the nickname goes, “Heavy” was 6′ tall and weighed 250 pounds.
Johnson helped to lead the Monarchs to pennants in 1923 and 1924, and they won the first World Series over Hillsdale in 1924. Not known for his defensive prowess, he made a key defensive play in that series by running down a long fly at the wall and throwing out a runner who was tagging up from third base. But, make no mistake, it was his bat that kept Johnson in the lineup.
Johnson enjoyed success with the Black Sox, hitting behind Jud Wilson and John Beckwith. He also got the chance to play with Beckwith and Oscar Charleston in Harrisburg. He compiled a .337 career batting average in the Negro Leagues.