A fierce competitor, Warren Johnson always played to win. He was an inspiration to his teammates because of the way he played the game. He earned citywide respect for his play and was a major force on the teams he played for, but his loyalty dictated that he would always play with his friends. He would play for the Gas Company in an industrial league, drive to Portage Park for a second game, head over to Clarendon Park for another game, and end his night with a 9:30 game at James Park as a member of the Rollers. Warren and the Rollers won the City Championship at Clarendon Park and the North Shore Tournament, all on the same day. He also played for Murders Row, the Levee, and the Bobcats and won many city and state titles with them He was Co-MVP at the Lacrosse Wisconsin Tournament in 1984 and was a member of three National Championship teams – once with Sportstation, and twice with Licorice. On the bases, he could turn a single into a triple with his excellent speed. He won numerous park championships and tournaments while playing with Hall of Famers Willie Simpson, Al Cech, Tom “Eggs” Czarnik. He ended his playing days in 2002 as a member of the Licorice team that won the National Championship.
Warren “Holmes” Johnson
