Obituaries

Bart Johnson, Ex-White Sox Pitcher, Dies At 70

The former big league pitcher, who was also a Major League Baseball scout, died of complications related to Parkinson's Disease.

Bart Johnson, a former Chicago White Sox pitcher, has died at age 70.
Bart Johnson, a former Chicago White Sox pitcher, has died at age 70. (Shutterstock)

OAK LAWN, IL — Bart Johnson, a former Chicago White Sox pitcher who had connections in Oak Lawn, has died. He was 70.

Johnson died on April 22 in California as a result of complications related to Parkinson's disease, his obituary from the Kerry Funeral Home in Palos Heights states.

Johnson's Major League Baseball career lasted nine seasons, all of which were spent with the White Sox from 1969 to 1977. He started 97 games in his career, amassing a 43-51 record and 520 strikeouts, according to BaseballReference.com. He also totaled 17 career saves in relief appearances.

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He had two seasons, 1971 and 1974, in which he notched the double digit victory total. His career high in saves, 14, also came in 1971.

His final season in the majors was one of note, as he was a member of the locally famed 1977 White Sox team known as the "South Side Hitmen".

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Johnson's obituary also indicates he spent some time post-playing career as a scout for the White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals. He was also the Olympic ring holder for the 200 United States gold medal-winning baseball team.

Johnson was also involved locally with the Oak Lawn Raiders SAC, who mourned his death with a statement on social media.

Kerry Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic a memorial won't be held until a later date.


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