Letterman, captain, record-holder, Olympian, Hall of Famer ... Franklin Pitcher "Pitch" Johnson was all of these during a storied career that began with coach Harry Gill's Illinois track and field team.
Ninety-four years ago today — July 8, 1924 — Johnson enjoyed one of his proudest moments, racing by himself at the Stade Olympique near Paris. The unusual circumstance occurred in the seventh qualifying heat of the 110-meter hurdles of the Olympic Games when every other competitor except the St. Louis native scratched. Qualifying for the semifinals with a run of 16.6 seconds, Johnson then participated in the first of three heats, but his time of 15.