17 Walter Johnson Quotes on Life & Baseball (SUCCESS)

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Walter Johnson, fondly known as the “Big Train,” was a force to be reckoned with in the world of baseball. Born in 1887 in Kansas, Johnson’s journey to stardom started at a young age when he discovered his passion and talent for the game.

Johnson’s career took flight when he joined the Washington Senators in 1907. His extraordinary fastball, considered one of the fastest of his time, became his trademark. For 21 seasons, he dominated the pitcher’s mound, earning him a reputation as one of the most feared pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball.

Johnson’s skill wasn’t limited to pitching. He was also an adept batter, scoring more than 2,000 hits during his illustrious career. In 1913, he had one of his most memorable seasons, winning 36 games and losing just 7.

Off the field, Johnson was known for his humble demeanor and sportsmanship, qualities that made him popular among fans and peers alike. After retiring from his playing career, he managed the Senators and later the Cleveland Indians.

By the time he hung up his cleats, Johnson had amassed 417 wins and struck out 3,509 batters, records that stand tall in baseball history. His remarkable achievements earned him a spot in the inaugural class of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Walter Johnson passed away in 1946, but his legacy lives on. Today, he is remembered not just for his powerful fastball, but also for his contribution to the sport and his embodiment of the spirit of the game.

Top 10 Most Famous Walter Johnson Quotes (BEST)

The best way to get a fastball by the hitter is for it to be a high inside fastball.

You can't hit what you can't see; I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee! — You can’t hit what you can’t see; I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee!

Can I throw harder than Joe Wood Listen mister, no man alive can throw any harder than Smokey Joe Wood. — Can I throw harder than Joe Wood? Listen mister, no man alive can throw any harder than **Smokey Joe Wood**.

I throw as hard as I can when I think I have to throw as hard as I can.

The greatest lesson I've learned in all my years in baseball is that the hardest hit ball is the one that is kept on the ground. — The greatest lesson I’ve learned in all my years in baseball is that the hardest hit ball is the one that is kept on the ground.

When I pitch, I forget everything, including all the pain.

There is but one thing for a pitcher to do—get the ball past the batter as quickly as possible.

The curve is only an illusion, a mere distraction to the batter while the ball is speeding toward him.

You're not out to win a prize for theory. You're out to win. — You’re not out to win a prize for theory. You’re out to win.

4 Walter Johnson Quotes About Baseball & Pitching

Pitching always has been and always will be the heart of baseball.

Control is what kept me in the major leagues for so long. It wasn't my fastball. — Control is what kept me in the major leagues for so long. It wasn’t my fastball.

I pitched my whole career on instinct. — I pitched my whole **career** on instinct.

Well I can't rightly say (which player hit the ball hardest), but the ones (home runs by) Ruth hit got smaller quicker. — Well I can’t rightly say (which player hit the ball hardest), but the ones (home runs by) **Ruth** hit got smaller quicker.

3 Walter Johnson Quotes that will Make You Think

“I was the greenest rookie that ever was. One evening I was standing out on the sidewalk when a stranger approached and said, ‘You’re famous already kid. See, they’ve named a hotel for you.’ I looked across the street and sure enough, there was a big illuminated sign that read ‘Johnson Hotel.’ Well, do you know that I was so green that I actually believed the man!”
Walter Johnson

The cost of anything is the foregone alternative.

“The beanball is one of the meanest things on Earth and no decent fellow would use it. The beanball is a potential murderer. If I were a batter and thought the pitcher really tried to bean me, I’d be inclined to wait for him outside the park with a baseball bat.”
Walter Johnson