Former Los Angeles Dodger and two-time World Series champion Jay Johnstone died Saturday after his battle with COVID-19 at the age of 74, according to his daughter Mary Jayne Sarah Johnstone in a Facebook post.

Born in Manchester, Connecticut in 1945, Johnstone’s family moved to Southern California early in his life and Johnstone went on to attend Edgewood High School in West Covina. In 1963, Johnstone signed with the California Angels, beginning his professional career.

His big league debut came in 1963, but it wouldn’t be until 17 years and five teams later that Johnstone joined the Dodgers in 1980.

Johnstone was a true journeyman over the course of his 20 year professional career playing for eight different clubs in total.

But during his initial tenure with the Dodgers from 1980-1982, Johnstone quickly became a fan favorite, particularly after a heroic home run in game four of the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees.

The versatile outfielder came in to pinch-hit in the bottom of the sixth inning and swatted a two run home run to help spark a Dodgers comeback from a 6-3 deficit to rally for the win, 8-7.

The Dodgers had dropped two out of the first three games to open the 1981 World Series, but the critical game four win tied things up and the Dodgers went on to close the series out in six games.

Johnstone did bring previous World Series experience to the Dodgers from his time as a member of the 1978 World Series winning New York Yankees.

Throughout his career Johnstone was a notorious prankster. On one occasion, during pregame warmups he climbed atop the Dodgers dugout and walked up to the concession stand at Dodger Stadium in full uniform and got a hot dog. 

Johnstone always brought levity and a sense of fun to every club he played with.

After baseball, Johnstone went on to have a brief radio commentary career and co-authored three books with sports columnist Rick Talley, “Temporary Insanity,” “Over the Edge” and “Some of My Best Friends Are Crazy.”

Johnstone is survived by his daughter, his wife Mary Jayne Johnstone and son-in-law Ryan Dudasik.

KHTS Sports is your place for 2020 Santa Clarita high school sports and Los Angeles Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC.