JOHNNY ARNOLD WILL RETIRE AT END OF 2021 SEASON
Posted on Aug 06, 2021
It is with very heavy hearts we have to announce that after more than a quarter century in the Land O' Lakes Baseball League and over 40 years of playing America's true pastime, Johnny Anthony Arnold is retiring from Lakes Baseball at the end of this season.
The decision could not have been easy for one of the best, most competitive players in this or anyone’s generation. However, being at his son’s side as his own baseball journey begins is where his heart is...and rightfully so.
Prior to his Lakes career, Johnny had stand out high school and collegiate careers and then played pro ball with several organizations. After his time playing professionally, he came home to the Land O’ Lakes. During his 25 plus years in Lakes, Johnny saw two championships with the Brookfield Blue Sox and the Pewaukee Muskies. A true throwback, Johnny expected, and went!, all 9 innings on the mound. At his best, he was a flame-throwing big lefty that struck out 13 while hitting a couple doubles at the plate - a true two-way player that could beat you with his arm and his stick. If you were to encapsulate Johnny in a stat line with one game it would be this: WIN, 9 Innings, 13k, 1 BB, 2 2Bs, 4 RBI, 2 Runs and 1 sac bunt.
A perennial all star (23 times) and team and league MVP that will never be forgotten, Johnny “Red Ass” was always at his best when his team needed him the most. He never shied away from taking the ball…even sometimes both ends of a double header. As the years went by, Johnny morphed from a flamethrower to his truly best form as a pinpoint pitcher, with several pitches he could use to get you out. At the plate, the occasional home run showed up to further frustrate opposing teams. Memories of championship games, Father’s Day no hitters and All Star appearances will live on in many folks who bore witness. Johnny knew the price and was always willing to pay it to be at his best...even as father time started to win the battle.
As a player, Johnny has done it all and our league will miss him dearly. As a friend and teammate going back almost 30 years, there just aren’t enough words to say. We wish you the very best, brother! Thank you for always being there, wearing your heart on your sleeve and giving everything you had to the game and your teammates. It was truly a pleasure to be a part of it. Where did the time go?
So come out and watch Johnny for the last time this Sunday in Oconomowoc and the next Saturday in Burlington. Let’s send him off in grand fashion! “Big Red” will dial it up on both sides just two more times. We can promise you he will leave it all on the field!
