 Johnson made his major league debut on April 20, 1947, starting game 2 of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics at Shibe Park.He was the winning pitcher in the 10-inning, 3–2 Yankee victory, and went on to have a 4–3 record for the 1947 World Series Champions.Johnson pitched both as a starter and in relief during his long, well-traveled career.