After attending Rutgers University as a chemistry student, he signed a contract with a Semi-professional team based in Trenton, New Jersey in 1881. He played with Trenton until 1884 when he was sold to the Cleveland Blues of the National League. John finished his first major league season with 12 wins against 32 losses, 42 complete games, and a 3.68 earned run average.
When the 1884 season finished, the Blues folded, and many of their player were bought by the Brooklyn Grays, including John, Doc Bushong, George Pinkney, and Germany Smith. During his three seasons with Brooklyn he ptiched alongside of ace Henry Porter, and Adonis Terry, winning 39 games. He was sold to the Baltimore Orioles after the 1887 season and pitched in only game.
