Mex Johnson

Byron Johnson
Died: Sept. 20, 2005 in Denver, Colo.

Byron "Mex" Johnson, who played as a shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs, died on Sept. 20, 2005 in Denver following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 94.

Johnson, according to his obituary, played for the Monarchs in 1937-1938. He also played for Satchel Paige's traveling team in 1939 and 1940.

According to reports, Johnson grew up in Little Rock, Ark. He picked up the nickname "Mex" because he wore a sombrero-like hat when he was younger.

He served in the Army from 1941 to 1945. In 1958, his family moved to Denver and he worked as a postal clerk.