On August 2, 1995, Howard Johnson launched his 700th career home run, becoming just the second player in Doubleday Baseball League history to reach that mythical milestone. The 34-year-old slugger, now suiting up for Cleveland following Atlanta’s franchise relocation, crushed the historic homer in a familiar fashion—on a hanging curve that didn’t stand a chance.
For Johnson, the number is more than symbolic. It’s the capstone to a career that has redefined what offensive power looks like from a switch-hitter, and a testament to his enduring production over 14 punishing seasons.
A Career Built on Power
From his breakout season in 1983 (36 HR) to his absurd peak in the late ’80s—when he slugged 60+ homers three different times—Johnson has consistently sat at the heart of DBL pitching staffs’ nightmares. He now owns:
- 700 home runs
- 1,645 RBIs
- 2,220 hits
- 1,499 runs
- Career OPS of .886 and OPS+ of 134
- 72.1 WAR (and counting)
Despite fluctuating batting averages in recent years, Johnson’s value hasn’t dipped—his 1995 campaign with Cleveland includes 37 HR in just 113 games, good for a .507 SLG despite hitting only .208.
The Switch-Hitting Standard
Perhaps what makes Johnson’s power feats more impressive is his ambidextrous plate presence. Facing righties or lefties, at home or on the road, he’s delivered thunder from both sides for more than a decade. Only a handful of hitters have been as feared or as consistent.
He ranks first among switch-hitters in DBL history in nearly every major offensive category—home runs, RBIs, and slugging included.
The Franchise Legacy
Though now wearing Cleveland across his chest, Johnson’s legacy will forever be linked with Atlanta, where he spent 13 seasons and hit 663 of his 700 home runs. The franchise may have moved, but Johnson’s impact in both cities is undeniable.
“You don’t replace a guy like HoJo,” said Cleveland manager. “You just hope you get to watch him keep making history.”
What’s Next?
At just 34, Johnson is showing no signs of slowing down. He’s already put together 11 seasons of 48+ home runs, owns 11 Silver Sluggers, and remains on pace for another 50-HR year in 1995. With good health, 800 isn’t out of the question—and neither is a first-ballot ticket to Cooperstown.
The Takeaway
Howard Johnson’s 700th home run isn’t just a number. It’s a monument to one of the most dominant power hitters the DBL has ever seen. In an era where home runs are increasingly common, Johnson has stood above the rest—racking up totals that seem almost fictional in scale.
He’s not just a home run hitter. He’s the standard.