On this day in 1949, Tim Johnson was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He signed his first pro contract with the Dodgers, but before he made the majors he was traded to the Brewers in April of 1973 in exchange for shortstop Rick Auerbach.
Johnson spent his first six major league seasons as a member of the Brewers, primarily playing shortstop but eventually moving over to second base. When the Brewers sent him to Toronto during the 1978 season it wrapped up a .225/.273/.267 hitting Brewer career.
Unfortunately, Johnson is perhaps best known for something that happened after his playing career had wrapped up. After several years as a coach and minor league manager, he got his first shot to manage in the big leagues with the Blue Jays in 1998. His tenure was brief, however, as he was fired during spring training in 1999 after admitting he lied to his players about having participated in combat in Vietnam. He hasn't worked in affiliated baseball since, although he has managed in Mexico and three difference independent leagues.
Johnson is one of just three former Brewers who were born in North Dakota. The others are 1990-91 Brewer Mark Lee and 2005-06 Brewer Rick Helling.
Johnson turns 62 today. With help from the B-Ref Play Index we'd also like to wish a happy birthday to 1970 Brewer George Lauzerique, who turns 64.