• Card series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
• City: Chicago
• Team: Columbia Giants
• League: Independent

George “Chappie” Johnson (1877-1949) was a popular and talented catcher for the early Negro teams. His playing days ended just as the “Negro Major Leagues” began @1920. Johnson broke color barriers with several teams for whom he could not play but valued his expertise as coach and trainer, especially in spring training.

• Innovated shin guards at his position
• Owned and managed several successful teams such as the Dayton Chappies
• A skilled handler of pitchers, Johnson was a mainstay for many of the top Black clubs