Randy Johnson
The Big Unit: Hall of Fame left-hander with 4,875 strikeouts and five Cy Young Awards.
Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in MLB (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Role
- Starting pitcher
- Affiliation
- San Diego Padres (never played for the Padres; this entry is misidentified)
- Status
- Retired
- Key Achievement
- Five Cy Young Awards, 2001 World Series co-MVP, perfect game (2004)
- Nickname
- The Big Unit
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Johnson was born in Walnut Creek, California, and played college baseball at USC. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1985 and made his MLB debut in 1988. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 1989. Johnson won the Cy Young Award five times, including four consecutive seasons (1999–2002), and was co-World Series MVP in 2001 with the Diamondbacks. He threw a perfect game in 2004 at age 40, the oldest pitcher to do so. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015.
In Their Own Story
On September 28, 1995, at Wrigley Field, Myers faced a dangerous situation after giving up an eighth-inning two-run home run to James Mouton that put the Astros ahead 9–7. A fan named John Murray rushed the field to attack him. Fearing Murray was armed, Myers utilized his lifelong martial arts training to take the intruder down and hold him until security arrived. The Cubs rallied to win the game 12–11 in 10 innings. Following this season, Myers joined the Baltimore Orioles, earning another All-Star selection in 1997 with 45 saves. His career ended with a controversial waiver claim by his former team, the Padres, who took him from the Blue Jays to block the Atlanta Braves, despite already having Trevor Hoffman as their closer.
Reader's Guide
Johnson's career included 303 wins, 4,875 strikeouts (second all-time), and six 300-strikeout seasons. He led his league in strikeouts nine times and won the pitching Triple Crown in 2002. He pitched no-hitters in both leagues and recorded a win against all 30 MLB franchises. His number 51 was retired by the Diamondbacks in 2015 and by the Mariners in 2026.
Did You Know?
- Johnson was the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league.
- He struck out 18 batters in eight innings in a 1992 game against the Texas Rangers.
- Johnson threw MLB's 17th perfect game on May 18, 2004, becoming the oldest pitcher to accomplish the feat.
- He is one of only two pitchers to win the Cy Young Award in four consecutive seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this profile actually describe?
The details provided outline the career of Randall Kirk Myers rather than Randy Johnson, as he was drafted by the Mets in 1982. He played professionally from 1985 to 1998 for multiple franchises including San Diego.
What position did he play during his career?
He served primarily as a left-handed pitcher who specialized in closing out games for his teams. His effectiveness earned him World Series rings with the Mets and Reds later on.
What record is he most famous for setting?
Myers achieved a National League record by recording 53 saves in the 1993 season while playing for the Chicago Cubs. This performance established him as one of the league's top relievers at the time.
When was he affiliated with the San Diego Padres?
He pitched for the Padres during two distinct seasons, specifically appearing on their roster in both 1992 and 1998. These stints were part of his broader journey across several major league clubs.
What notable incident occurred at Wrigley Field involving him?
During his time with the Cubs, he survived a fan attack that took place at their home stadium in Chicago. This event is often cited when discussing the challenges he faced during his career.
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