1961 Topps #24 Ken Johnson

Today’s Card of the Moment comes from one of my least favorite vintage Topps sets. I don’t really know what exactly it is that I don’t like about it. It actually isn’t a terrible looking design. In fact, the bright colors and crisp lines of the bottom bar is actually quite pleasing to the eye. I think it’s just that it reminds me too much of this, which some people say is fine art. I happen to think it’s stupid.

Anyway, artsy-fartsy references aside, just because I don’t like the design don’t mean I don’t like the card. I do, in fact like this card simply because of the distinction that Ken Johnson holds in the history of baseball. Ken happens to be the only Major League pitcher to ever lose a 9 inning complete game no-hitter. Yes that’s correct. He threw 9 complete innings, did not give up one hit, and still managed to lose the game. Well, how could that happen, you ask? I’ll tell you.

On April 23, 1964, Ken was the starting pitcher for the newly re-named Houston Astros. He was facing the Cincinnati Red. He pretty much cruised through the first 8 inning, only allowing 2 base runners via walks. He also had struck out 9 men to that point, including a young Pete Rose once and Frank Robinson twice. Joe Nuxhall, who was throwing for the Reds, had also kept the Astros off the board, despite giving up 5 hits and a walk.

Ken’s trouble all started in the 9th. He started the inning well enough, getting the pitcher to ground out to 3rd for 1 out. Next up was Pete Rose, who grounded back to Ken. Unfortunately for Ken, he threw the ball away trying to get Rose out at first. Damn Charlie Hustle. So rather than nobody on with 2 outs, it was one out with a man on second. The no-hitter was still intact, though. Chico Ruiz then grounded out for the 2nd out, but Rose moved over to third. Vada Pinson then grounded out to second baseman Nellie Fox, who proceeded to boot the ball, allowing Rose to score an unearned run.

The Astros went quietly in the bottom of the 9th, thus handing Ken Johnson the only complete game, no-hit loss in the history of the Majors. Sorry Ken. Better luck next time.

When you think about it though, he’s got no one to blame but himself. And Pete Rose for being such a hustler.

By the way, although I’m not nuts about the front side of this design, I do think the back side is one of the nicer looking backs from the era. It’s easy to read. There’s not 1, but 3 cartoons. I find that sickly green oddly pleasing. I like the strong black bar up top. The number/baseball logo looks really cool. Overall, it’s just a great looking card back.

Tags: 1961 Topps, Ken Johnson
Filed Under: Card of the Moment by slangon
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