Ottis Johnson, left and Jack Clifton, right
June 2, 1951 marked the beginning of the most memorable period
in AFL history. What started with a single pitch, ended with the
entire league on the verge of destruction.
was playing in Headland, and at bat was the league’s leading hitter,
Ottis Johnson. On the mound was Headland pitcher Harry « Jack »
Clifton. Clifton was a fireballer who wasn’t afraid to pitchin
tight. On this occasion, Clifton lost control of a high hard fastball
which struck Johnson in the temple with a resounding crack. Johnson
was unconscious for over 5 minutes and taken away to a Dothan
hospital. Newspaper accounts of the game didn’t seem to think
that the beaning was as serious as it was…..
.
June 3rd, 1951:
Reports from the hospital already were indicating that Johnson
was seriously hurt:
June 4th, 1951: Concerned
fans and team members planned to help Johnson’s family with the
hospital bills.
June 5th, 1951: The Dothan doctors, while still concerned about
Johnson’s condition, were hopeful that he would recover. The Browns
went ahead with plans to replace Johnson on the field.
June 6th, 1951: Johnson condition did not improve. Fans made
a heart-felt contribution during Ottis Johnson night:
Jack Clifton made his next start against Panama City and pitched
the AFL’s third no-hitter. Whether news of the beaning affected
the Fliers or not, Clifton mixed just the right amount of speed
and wildness to keep them off balance. He also belted in four
runs to help his cause.
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