James Ralph "Spud" Johnson (December 1856 – February 1928)[1] was a 19th-century Major League Baseball player for three seasons, two for the Columbus Solons of the American Association and one season for the Cleveland Spiders of the National League.

[2] Johnson was signed by the Solons on January 15, 1889, when after the 1888 season the Kansas City team of the Western Association folded and was sold to the Kansas City team of the American Association.

A dispute quickly surfaced between the two teams about Johnson and his rights.

On March 19, Columbus settled the dispute by paying Kansas City $500.

[3] His best season came in 1890 when he led the Association in runs batted in with 113, while finishing in the top five in most offensive categories including his .346 batting average, 18 triples, and 186 hits.