Position: pitcher/ outfield Bats: right Throws: right

Curtis Johnson was born in New Orleans on October 31, 1932. In the late 1930's Curtis sustained a serious leg injury - a break above the knee. Doctors at that time were not very optimistic about the chances of a successful recovery and suggested amputation. Curtis' dad would not have any of that and looking back now, Curtis is so grateful for the decision that his dad had made. In 1945, Curtis dad died.

Curtis had moved to St. Rose in his mid-teen years. He attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans. Although his mom did not like the idea of him playing baseball he loved the sport and was inspired by the play of Jackie Robinson, Satchel Page, and Josh Gibson. Johnson spent many evenings tuned in to his radio, listening closely to commentator calling the games, trying to pick up useful information. Later in his high school career, Curtis was scouted and offered a contract by John Donaldson of the Chicago White Sox Organization. Although he was tempted to accept the deal, he was interested more in preserving his college eligibility and pursuing his first priority, a secondary education. The Johnson family was extremely motivated by the opportunity to further their education. Curtis opted to decline the offered contract and attended Grambling University where he was a starting cornerback for the football team. He continued to focus on baseball under Eddie Robinson and President Jones. In 1954, Curtis Johnson entered into the armed forces - 588 HQ Engineers Company. He always took a liking to construction and was in route to becoming a combat engineer. He would remain an active athlete playing both football and baseball in the service until his active duty status was fulfilled in1956. Exiting service, Johnson began a career in construction by starting his own company.

Dizzy Dismukes introduced Curtis to the New York Black Yankees Organization, where he signed and played for several years - from St. Petersburg, Florida to Canada. In 1959, after two operations, he gave in to the pressure of working through the knee pain and returned home.

In 1971, Mr. Johnson took an interest in politics and became an assistant administrator before winning the councilman's office in 1976. He remained in public service for 16 years. His family grew tremendously over the years. He is quite proud of his 11 children (all college graduates) and 24 grandchildren. Over the years, he has developed an incredible love for music, revealing some of his favorite jazz artists; Sarah Vaughn, Esther Phillips, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Grover Washington.