Early Years
Johnson was born in Helena, Arkansas, but grew up in Detroit, Michigan with his two brothers and sisters. He played sandlot ball with Bill Freehan, Willie Horton, and Dennis Ribant.
Johnson attended Northwestern High School, where he excelled as an offensive lineman for the school's football team. He received a scholarship offer to attend Michigan State University to play football for the Michigan State Spartans, but opted to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies instead.
Read more about this topic: Alex Johnson
Famous quotes containing the words early and/or years:
“We have been told over and over about the importance of bonding to our children. Rarely do we hear about the skill of letting go, or, as one parent said, “that we raise our children to leave us.” Early childhood, as our kids gain skills and eagerly want some distance from us, is a time to build a kind of adult-child balance which permits both of us room.”
—Joan Sheingold Ditzion (20th century)
“Well, children, enjoy this all you can, for in four years you may begin to walk over again.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)