Two Brothers From Oklahoma Slugged Their Way to MLB Careers

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Bob Johnson and Roy Johnson, brothers with Cherokee roots, grew up in Pryor, Oklahoma before their family moved to Tacoma, Washington during their childhood. Both went on to have successful Major League Baseball careers as outfielders, with Roy debuting in 1929 with the Detroit Tigers and Bob following in 1933 with the Philadelphia Athletics. Despite never playing on the same team, the brothers both had long careers, with Bob earning 8 All-Star selections and hitting 288 home runs.

Why it matters

The Johnson brothers' story highlights the journeys of many young athletes displaced from their home states who went on to find success in professional sports. Their shared Oklahoma origins and parallel careers as standout outfielders make them a notable sibling duo in MLB history.

The details

Roy Johnson was born on February 23, 1903 in Pryor, Oklahoma, with his younger brother Bob following on November 26, 1905 in the same town. Their family relocated to Tacoma, Washington during the brothers' childhood, where they both attended Tacoma High School and developed their baseball skills. Roy reached the majors first in 1929 with the Detroit Tigers, playing outfield through 1938 for the Tigers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Boston Bees. Bob debuted in 1933 with the Philadelphia Athletics, suiting up as an outfielder until 1945 and also playing for the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox. Known as "Indian Bob" for his Cherokee heritage, he made 8 All-Star teams, hit .296 with 288 home runs and 1,283 RBIs.

• Roy Johnson debuted in the majors in 1929 at age 26.
• Bob Johnson debuted in the majors in 1933 at age 27.
• Roy Johnson played in the majors from 1929 to 1938.
• Bob Johnson played in the majors from 1933 to 1945.
• Roy Johnson died on September 10, 1973 at age 70 in Tacoma.
• Bob Johnson died on July 6, 1982 at age 76 in Tacoma.