Randy Johnson
The Big Unit: dominant left-handed pitcher, 5-time Cy Young winner, Hall of Famer.
via Wikipedia: Randy Johnson · see source
Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed "the Big Unit," is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Pitcher
- Bats
- Right
- Throws
- Left
- Born
- 10 September 1963
- Birthplace
- Walnut Creek, California, U.S.
- Debut league
- MLB
- Debut date
- September 15
- Debut year
- 1988
Facts from the source article.
Background
At 6 ft 10 in tall, Johnson was the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league. He won the Cy Young Award five times, including four consecutive seasons (1999–2002) with the Mariners and Diamondbacks. He is one of only two pitchers to win the award in four consecutive seasons, and won Cy Young Awards in both leagues. Johnson threw a perfect game on May 18, 2004, at age 40, becoming the oldest pitcher to accomplish the feat. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 in his first year of eligibility, the first member depicted in a Diamondbacks uniform on his plaque.
Did You Know?
- Johnson led his league in strikeouts nine times, and in ERA, winning percentage, and complete games four times each.
- Along with Curt Schilling, Johnson was one of two World Series Most Valuable Players in 2001, winning three games in the Series.
- Johnson won the pitching Triple Crown in 2002.
- The Diamondbacks retired Johnson's number 51 on August 8, 2015, and the Mariners retired his number 51 on May 2, 2026, making him one of 12 players to have his number retired by multiple MLB teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Randy Johnson?
Randy Johnson was a 6-foot-10 left-handed pitcher who dominated MLB from the late 1980s through the 2000s, pairing extreme velocity with a devastating split-finger fastball. He is widely regarded as one of the most physically imposing and statistically elite pitchers in baseball history.
What made Randy Johnson's pitching so dominant?
His 34-inch arm span and towering frame let him generate elite velocity while his split-finger fastball made the ball look like it simply vanished over the plate. That blend of raw speed and late movement made him nearly impossible to hit consistently.
How many career wins did Randy Johnson record?
Randy Johnson finished his career with 481 wins across his stints with the Mariners, Diamondbacks, Giants, and Mets. He was also selected to seven All-Star teams along the way.
Did Randy Johnson ever play for the Washington Nationals?
No, Randy Johnson never suited up for the Nationals; his career spanned Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco, and New York. He comes up in Nationals fan discussions mainly as the gold-standard benchmark against which every pitcher of that era is measured.
Is Randy Johnson in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Randy Johnson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. He also captured a World Series championship with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.
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