Johnnie Lee Williams (November 22, 1928 – January 2, 2011) was an American professional baseball player who primarily pitched in the Negro Leagues during the early 1950s. Known for his powerful right-handed fastball and curveball, Williams was a prominent figure in the final years of the organized Negro American League before its eventual decline due to integration.
Williams began his professional career in 1950 with the Indianapolis Clowns, a team famous for both its talent and its entertaining on-field antics. After a season with the Clowns, he moved to the Kansas City Monarchs in 1951, one of the most historically significant franchises in Negro League history. He returned to the Indianapolis Clowns for the 1952 season and continued with them through 1954, becoming one of their key pitchers during this period.
Throughout his career, Williams was recognized as a durable and effective pitcher, often relied upon by his teams to deliver strong performances. His playing career coincided with a transitional era in baseball, as many talented Black players were beginning to integrate into Major League Baseball, leading to a gradual dissipation of the Negro Leagues' talent pool and structure.
After his baseball career, Williams settled in San Diego, California, where he worked for the city for many years. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 82.