Jay Johnstone (1945–2020), two-time World Series champion

Jay Johnstone was a versatileoutfielderwho won a World Series titlewiththeDodgersand the Yankees.

• Died:Saturday,September26, 2020(Who else died onSeptember26?)
• Details of Death:Died at the age of74from complications of COVID-19.
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Versatile Outfielder

Johnstone had a long career as a Major League Baseball outfielder playing from 1966 until 1985.He played for manyteamsbut may be best known for his time with the Dodgers from 1980 until 1982, winning the World Series with theclub in 1981,and finishing his career there in 1985. He also wona World Series title withtheYankeesin 1978.After baseball, Johnstone was an announcer and appeared in the movie "Naked Gun."

Legendary Prankster

The fun-loving Johnstone was known for his legendary pranks in the clubhouse.One time Johnstone and Dodgers pitcher Jerry Reuss dressed as groundskeepers inthe middle of a game against the Pirates and groomed the infield between innings.They rushed back to the locker room and changed into their uniforms to return to the game. Reuss told the Los Angeles Times,8Tommy [Lasorda] met us at the bench, gave us an ass-chewing that was second to none and said, 1Jay, you
9re hitting for the pitcher.2 Jay went up and hit a homer [in a 6-2 win]. Who in the history of baseball has dragged the infield in the fifth inning and hit a pinch-hit homer in the sixth?3

What they said about him

Full Obituary: Los Angeles Times

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