Howard Johnson Signed New York Mets Jersey Inscribed "3x30/30", "1986 WS Champs" & "Mets HOF 2023"

Howard Johnson entered Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers in 1982, beginning a career that would see him develop into one of the most dynamic power-speed combinations of the late 1980s and early 1990s. His journey took a transformative turn when he was traded to the New York Mets in 1985, where he evolved from a utility player into an All-Star third baseman and became a crucial component of the franchise's success during one of their most competitive eras.

Johnson's time with the Mets saw him reach his peak as a switch-hitting power threat who could also steal bases at an elite rate, making him one of baseball's most dangerous offensive players. His career concluded with brief stints in Colorado and Chicago, but his legacy remained forever tied to Shea Stadium, where "HoJo" became one of the most beloved players of the Mets' late-1980s contending teams.

World Series Champion (1986)

2× MLB All-Star (1989, 1991)

2× National League home run co-leader (1991)

First player in MLB history with back-to-back 30-30 seasons

Switch hitter with power from both sides

Over 1,500 career hits

Led NL in RBIs (1991)

Chicago Cubs (1995)
Colorado Rockies (1994-1995)
New York Mets (1985-1993)
Detroit Tigers (1982-1984)

Howard Johnson pioneered the modern power-speed combination at the third base position, becoming one of the first players to consistently deliver 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season and demonstrating that switch-hitters could generate significant power from both sides of the plate. His back-to-back 30-30 seasons in 1987 and 1989 established him as one of baseball's most unique offensive threats, combining the traditional power expected from corner infielders with speed typically associated with center fielders and middle infielders.

Johnson's impact on the Mets franchise extended beyond his individual statistics to his role as a key contributor to the team's sustained success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the 1986 World Series championship team. His nickname "HoJo" became synonymous with Mets baseball during one of the franchise's most successful periods, while his ability to play multiple positions and deliver clutch performances made him one of the era's most valuable and versatile players, inspiring future generations of players to develop both power and speed rather than focusing on a single offensive skill.