Braden River, flowing through the farmlands, that’s where I long to be

Tho you grow wide and rise with the tide on a wave up yonder,

Why do I wander?

Braden River, tell my dear old mommy that I’m coming back someday

Tell her that I miss her, riplin waters kiss her

Braden River flowing on your way.

- words composed by Henry Ward Johnson.

Henry Ward Johnson (May 21, 1906-Aug 20, 1982) was the son of Morgan Johnson and Nettie Pope Johnson. Known as Hank he was born and grew up on the Braden River. As a youngster, Hank learned how to throw by pitching oranges across the river. He played for the local team, the Bradenton Growers, in 1925 before being recruited for the Big Leagues. For 12 seasons, during the 1920’s and 1930’s Hank was a pitcher for a number of major league ball teams, playing mainly with the New York Yankees. When his career ended, Hank returned to Bradenton where he died.