Marcel Johnson followed his uncle Curt Flood to the pros; Saw three seasons in rookie ball

Curt Flood thought of his nephew Marcel Johnson in 1989 when recounting his own impact on the game.

Flood's own lengthy major league career largely came to an end as he paved the way for future players to make their share through free agency, rather than being tied strictly to the club he originally signed with.

"I'll get to see Marcel make a lot of money," Flood told Gannett News Service that July. "A lot of people will make a lot of money. Ideally, the ballplayers should make a lot, the owners should make a lot and the fans should get to see great baseball."

Johnson signed with the Mets that year and went on to play as a pro. He never got to take advantage of what his uncle did for major league players. Johnson played three seasons. He never made it out of rookie ball.

Johnson's career began that summer, taken by the Mets in the 22nd round of the draft out of Fremont High School in California. He grew up in Oakland.

Johnson started with the Mets in the rookie Gulf Coast League. In 53 games, he hit .190. He hit two home runs and knocked in 14.

He then moved to rookie Kingsport for 1990. He hit 220 there in 35 games, marking the extent of his Mets career.

He signed on with the Braves for 1992, playing briefly at rookie Pulaski. He's also credited as going to rookie Idaho Falls for 1993. He got a card there, but didn't get into a game, ending his career.

• Camden Courier-Post, July 28, 1989: Flood opened gates for big bucks

More: The 1990 Kingsport Mets

1990 Minor League Tally
Players/Coaches Featured: 2,574
Made the Majors:1,020-39.6%
Never Made Majors:1,554-60.4%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 424
10+ Seasons in the Minors:261