‘Sweet Lou’ Johnson, who played 14 years with the L.A. Dodgers, dies at 86
Fred Jeter | 10/8/2020, 6 p.m.
Louis Brown “Sweet Lou” Johnson, so nicknamed because of his infectious smile and friendly habit of clapping his hands, died Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was 86 and living in Los Angeles.
A native of Lexington, Ky., the Kentucky State University alumnus enjoyed a 14-year pro baseball career, most notably with the Dodgers.
Twice he came to the rescue of the great Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. In September 1965, Mr. Johnson scored the only run in Koufax’s 1-0 perfect game against the Chicago Cubs.
In October 1965, with Koufax on the mound, Johnson crushed the game-winning home run, striking the left field foul pole, in L.A.’s 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins in the World Series Game 7.
Dodgers’ fans will never forget Mr. Johnson rounding the bases on the dramatic home run, clapping his hands in delight with a grin on his face.
