A hard thrower who had the misfortune of playing for mostly poor teams, the Florida native posted a career 91-106 record despite a solid 3.46 ERA over 13 big league seasons.

Johnson had perhaps his career highlight when he pitched in the World Series for the 1961 Cincinnati Reds but shortly thereafter he was claimed by the Colt .45s in the 1961 Expansion Draft.

With Houston, Johnson was 32-51 with a 3.41 ERA over four seasons. Johnson is best remembered for the no-hit effort against the Reds on April 23, 1964 when he lost the game despite not allowing a hit.

Traded in mid-season to the Milwaukee Braves, Johnson spent his best years toiling for the Braves between 1965 and 1969. At the end, he threw for the Yankees, Cubs and Expos before retiring.