Randy Johnson: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|American baseball player}} |
{{short description|American baseball player (born 1963)}} |
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{{Other people}} |
{{Other people}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}} |
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{{Infobox baseball biography |
{{Infobox baseball biography |
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|name=Randy Johnson |
|name=Randy Johnson |
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|throws=Left |
|throws=Left |
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|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1963|9|10}} |
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1963|9|10}} |
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|birth_place=[[Walnut Creek, California]] |
|birth_place=[[Walnut Creek, California]], U.S. |
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|debutleague = MLB |
|debutleague = MLB |
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|debutdate=September 15 |
|debutdate=September 15 |
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* [[Arizona Diamondbacks#Retired numbers|Arizona Diamondbacks No. 51]] retired |
* [[Arizona Diamondbacks#Retired numbers|Arizona Diamondbacks No. 51]] retired |
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* [[Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame]] |
* [[Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame]] |
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* [[Arizona Diamondbacks#Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame|Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame]] |
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|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum |
|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum |
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|hoftype = National |
|hoftype = National |
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'''Randall David Johnson''' (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed "''' |
'''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]] (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the [[Seattle Mariners]] and [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. |
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At {{height|ft=6|in=10}}, Johnson was the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league |
At {{height|ft=6|in=10|abbr=no}} tall, Johnson was the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league, contributing to his extremely intimidating persona and pitching style. He is particularly known for his overpowering [[fastball]] and devastating [[Slider (pitch)|slider]], a combination that remained effective throughout his lengthy career. While he initially struggled with control in his early seasons, Johnson subsequently established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, leading his league in strikeouts nine times, and in [[earned run average]], [[win–loss record (pitching)|winning percentage]], and [[complete game]]s four times each. Along with teammate [[Curt Schilling]], Johnson was one of two [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award|World Series Most Valuable Players]] in [[2001 World Series|2001]]; in the Series, Johnson won three games and led the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series victory over the [[New York Yankees]] in the fourth season of the team's existence. He won the pitching [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]] in 2002. |
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Johnson's [[300 win club|303 career victories]] are the fifth-most by a left-hander in MLB history, while his 4,875 [[strikeout]]s place him [[3,000 strikeout club|second all time]] behind [[Nolan Ryan]] and first among left-handers. Johnson is a ten-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], won the [[Cy Young Award]] five times, and is one of only two pitchers to win the award in four consecutive seasons (1999–2002). Johnson won Cy Young Awards in both leagues. He is also one of five pitchers to pitch [[no-hitter]]s in both leagues, and one of |
Johnson's [[300 win club|303 career victories]] are the fifth-most by a left-hander in MLB history, while his 4,875 [[strikeout]]s place him [[3,000 strikeout club|second all time]] behind [[Nolan Ryan]] and first among left-handers. Johnson is a ten-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], won the [[Cy Young Award]] five times, and is one of only two pitchers (the other is [[Greg Maddux]]) to win the award in four consecutive seasons (1999–2002). Johnson won Cy Young Awards in both leagues. He is also one of five pitchers to pitch [[no-hitter]]s in both leagues, and one of 21 pitchers in history to record a [[Major league pitchers beating all 30 teams|win against all 30 MLB franchises]]. |
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Johnson was elected to the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Baseball Hall of Fame]] in [[2015 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2015]], his first year of eligibility. He is the first member of the Hall to be depicted in a Diamondbacks uniform on his plaque. |
Johnson enjoyed a career longevity uncommon to pitchers, with his signature fastball-slider combination remaining effective well into his 40s. Four of his six 300-strikeout seasons occurred after his 35th birthday. On May 18, 2004, at 40 years old, he threw Major League Baseball's 17th [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]], and remains the oldest pitcher to accomplish the feat. Johnson retired at the age of 46, and was elected to the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Baseball Hall of Fame]] in [[2015 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2015]], his first year of eligibility. He is the first member of the Hall to be depicted in a Diamondbacks uniform on his plaque. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Johnson was born in [[Walnut Creek, California]], to Carol Hannah and Rollen Charles "Bud" Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~battle/celeb/rjohnson.htm|access-date=January 6, 2010|title=1. Randall David ("Randy") Johnson|work=[[rootsweb]]|publisher=[[Ancestry.com]]}}</ref> By the time he entered [[Livermore High School]], he was a star in baseball and [[basketball]]. In 1982, as a senior, he struck out 121 batters in 66 innings, and threw a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]] in his last high school start |
Johnson was born in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] suburb of [[Walnut Creek, California]], to Carol Hannah and Rollen Charles "Bud" Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~battle/celeb/rjohnson.htm|access-date=January 6, 2010|title=1. Randall David ("Randy") Johnson|work=[[rootsweb]]|publisher=[[Ancestry.com]]}}</ref> By the time he entered [[Livermore High School]], he was a star in baseball and [[basketball]]. In 1982, as a senior, he struck out 121 batters in 66 innings, and threw a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]] in his last high school start. |
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==College career== |
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After high school, he was selected by the [[Atlanta Braves]] in the 4th round of the [[1982 Major League Baseball draft|1982 MLB draft]]. Instead, Johnson accepted a full athletic scholarship to play baseball for the [[USC Trojans baseball|University of Southern California]]. While at USC, he also played two years of [[basketball]]. He was a starter at USC (where he was a teammate of [[Mark McGwire]]) under coach [[Rod Dedeaux]], but often exhibited control problems.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Scott |title=Randy Johnson and Mark McGwire's Years Together at USC's Baseball Factory |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530344-randy-johnson-and-mark-mcgwires-years-together-at-uscs-baseball-factory |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |language=en |date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> |
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Johnson accepted a full athletic scholarship to play baseball for the [[USC Trojans baseball|University of Southern California]]. While at USC, he also played two years of [[basketball]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 1987 |title=At 6-10, Expo Prospect No Longshot |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/06/16/at-6-10-expo-prospect-no-longshot/ |access-date=June 3, 2024 |website=chicagotribune.com}}</ref> He was a starter at USC (where he was a teammate of [[Mark McGwire]]) under coach [[Rod Dedeaux]], but often exhibited control problems.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Scott |title=Randy Johnson and Mark McGwire's Years Together at USC's Baseball Factory |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530344-randy-johnson-and-mark-mcgwires-years-together-at-uscs-baseball-factory |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |language=en |date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> |
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==Professional career== |
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===Drafts and minor leagues=== |
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After high school, Johnson was selected by the [[Atlanta Braves]] in the 4th round of the [[1982 Major League Baseball draft|1982 MLB draft]], but did not sign. He was drafted by the [[Montreal Expos]] in the second round of the [[1985 Major League Baseball draft]]. In 1985, he pitched for the [[Jamestown Expos]] of the [[New York-Pennsylvania League]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://calltothepen.com/2015/01/07/randy-johnson-big-unit/ | title=Randy Johnson: Before He Was the "Big Unit" | date=January 7, 2015 }}</ref> In 1986, he pitched for the [[West Palm Beach Expos]] of the [[Florida State League]]. In 1987, he pitched for the [[Jacksonville Expos]] of the [[Southern League (1964–present)|Southern League]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-111183302 | title=Former Jaxpo Randy Johnson Elected to Southern League Hall of Fame }}</ref> In 1988, he pitched for the [[Indianapolis Indians]] of the [[American Association (1902–1997)|American Association]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-102409910 | title=Ex-Tribe Star Johnson Elected to HOF }}</ref> |
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===Montreal Expos (1988–1989)=== |
===Montreal Expos (1988–1989)=== |
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He made his major league debut on September 15, 1988, against the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], earning a 9–4 victory with a five-inning outing in which he gave up two runs with five strikeouts; his first victim was [[Orestes Destrade]] in the second inning. Johnson posted a record of 3–0 with a 2.42 earned run average (ERA) in four games in 1988, but 1989 saw him slip to an 0–4 mark with a 6.67 ERA in seven games through May 7. On May 25, 1989, he was traded to the [[Seattle Mariners]] in a trade involving five pitchers that brought [[Mark Langston]] to Montreal. In 11 total games played with the Expos, he went 3–4 with a 4.69 ERA and one complete game in {{frac|55|2|3}} innings with 51 strikeouts and 33 walks. |
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===Seattle Mariners (1989–1998)=== |
===Seattle Mariners (1989–1998)=== |
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====1989–1992==== |
====1989–1992==== |
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After joining the Mariners during the [[1989 Seattle Mariners season|1989 season]], Johnson led the American League in walks for three consecutive seasons (1990–1992), and hit batsmen in 1992 and 1993. In July 1991, facing the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], the erratic Johnson allowed 4 runs on 1 hit, thanks to 10 walks in 4 innings. A month later, a 9th-inning single cost him a no-hitter against the [[1989 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]]. Johnson suffered another 10-walk, 4-inning start in 1992. |
After joining the Mariners during the [[1989 Seattle Mariners season|1989 season]], Johnson led the American League in walks for three consecutive seasons (1990–1992), and hit batsmen in 1992 and 1993.<ref name="baseball-reference1">{{cite web |title=Randy Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=January 29, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> In July 1991, facing the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], the erratic Johnson allowed 4 runs on 1 hit, thanks to 10 walks in 4 innings. A month later, a 9th-inning single cost him a no-hitter against the [[1989 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]]. Johnson suffered another 10-walk, 4-inning start in 1992. |
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His untapped talent was |
His untapped talent was explosive: In 1990, Johnson became the first left-hander to strike out [[Wade Boggs]] three times in one game, and a no-hitter against the [[1990 Detroit Tigers season|Detroit Tigers]] attested to his potential. Johnson credits a session with [[Nolan Ryan]] late in the 1992 season with helping him take his career to the next level; Ryan has said that he appreciated Johnson's talent and did not want to see him take as long to figure certain things out as he had taken. Ryan recommended a slight change in his delivery; before the meeting, Johnson would land on the heel of his foot after delivering a pitch, and he therefore usually landed offline from home plate. Ryan suggested that he land on the ball of his foot, and almost immediately, he began finding the strike zone more consistently.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/RJohnson/RJohnson_bio.html |title=Randy Johnson Biography |publisher=JockBio |date=September 10, 1963 |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111015832/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/RJohnson/RJohnson_bio.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In a September 27, 1992, game against the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], with Ryan the opposing starting pitcher, Johnson struck out 18 batters in eight innings while throwing 160 pitches, a pitch count that has not been reached in an MLB game since.<ref name=kepner>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C06E0DE113BF934A35752C0A9669D8B63|title=AN APPRECIATION; Worth Watching, From Start to Finish|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 7, 2010|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> It was during the 1992 off-season when Johnson returned home for Christmas only to lose his father to an [[aortic aneurysm]]. His father's death was so devastating that he decided to quit baseball, only to have his mother convince him otherwise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jockbio.com/Bios/RJohnson/RJohnson_bio.html|title=JockBio: Randy Johnson Biography|website=www.jockbio.com|access-date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> |
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====1993==== |
====1993==== |
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Johnson broke out in [[1993 Seattle Mariners season|1993]], posting a 19–8 record, 3.24 ERA, his first of six 300-plus strikeout seasons (308), and he was also the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to reach 300 strikeouts in a single season. In May 1993, Johnson again lost a no-hitter to a 9th-inning single; again, the opponent was the Oakland Athletics. He also recorded his 1,000th career strikeout against the [[1993 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]]' [[Chuck Knoblauch]]. Prior to the trade deadline, Johnson was nearly dealt to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] for [[Steve Karsay]] and [[Mike Timlin]]. Toronto general manager [[Pat Gillick]] had two separate transactions on the table including the one for Johnson with Seattle general manager [[Woody Woodward]] and one for [[Rickey Henderson]] with Oakland general manager [[Sandy Alderson]]. When Gillick was unable to contact Woodward he agreed to utilize the deal with Alderson. When Woodward returned Gillick's call he said he would agree to the deal for Johnson. However, Gillick gave his word to Alderson even though the deal had not been finalized.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bluejayhunter.com/2012/01/randy-johnson-almost-traded-to-blue.html|title=Randy Johnson Almost Traded to the Blue Jays}}</ref> At the [[1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1993 All-Star Game]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], in a famous incident, Johnson threw a fastball over the head of [[Philadelphia Phillies]] first baseman [[John Kruk]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB2A5104290F467&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePMA|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=July 18, 1993|page=E07|title=AN ALL-STAR STRIKEOUT THAT WAS GOOD FOR SOME LAUGHS JOHN KRUK MAY HAVE LOOKED A BIT OVERMATCHED AGAINST \ RANDY JOHNSON. BUT IT DIDN'T COST HIM HIS SENSE OF HUMOR|access-date=December 1, 2011 |
Johnson broke out in [[1993 Seattle Mariners season|1993]], posting a 19–8 record, 3.24 ERA and one save, his first of six 300-plus strikeout seasons (308), and he was also the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to reach 300 strikeouts in a single season. In May 1993, Johnson again lost a no-hitter to a 9th-inning single; again, the opponent was the Oakland Athletics. He also recorded his 1,000th career strikeout against the [[1993 Minnesota Twins season|Minnesota Twins]]' [[Chuck Knoblauch]]. Prior to the trade deadline, Johnson was nearly dealt to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] for [[Steve Karsay]] and [[Mike Timlin]]. Toronto general manager [[Pat Gillick]] had two separate transactions on the table including the one for Johnson with Seattle general manager [[Woody Woodward]] and one for [[Rickey Henderson]] with Oakland general manager [[Sandy Alderson]]. When Gillick was unable to contact Woodward he agreed to utilize the deal with Alderson. When Woodward returned Gillick's call he said he would agree to the deal for Johnson. However, Gillick gave his word to Alderson even though the deal had not been finalized.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bluejayhunter.com/2012/01/randy-johnson-almost-traded-to-blue.html|title=Randy Johnson Almost Traded to the Blue Jays}}</ref> At the [[1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1993 All-Star Game]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], in a famous incident, Johnson threw a fastball over the head of [[Philadelphia Phillies]] first baseman [[John Kruk]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB2A5104290F467&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePMA|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=July 18, 1993|page=E07|title=AN ALL-STAR STRIKEOUT THAT WAS GOOD FOR SOME LAUGHS JOHN KRUK MAY HAVE LOOKED A BIT OVERMATCHED AGAINST \ RANDY JOHNSON. BUT IT DIDN'T COST HIM HIS SENSE OF HUMOR|access-date=December 1, 2011|url-status=dead|url-access=subscription|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221453/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB2A5104290F467&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePMA}}</ref> On October 3, Johnson entered the final game of the season as a defensive substitution, replacing Brian Turang in left field. This made him the tallest player to play the field in baseball history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=HFRmx |title=Batting Season & Career Finder |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 14, 2020}}</ref> |
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====1995==== |
====1995==== |
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After pitching well in the strike-shortened 1994 season, Johnson won the [[American League]] [[Cy Young Award]] in [[1995 Seattle Mariners season|1995]] with an 18–2 record, 2.48 ERA and 294 strikeouts. His .900 winning percentage was the second highest in AL history, behind [[Johnny Allen (baseball)|Johnny Allen]], who had gone 15–1 for the [[Cleveland Indians]] in 1937. Johnson became the first regular starting pitcher in history to strike out more than a third of all batters faced. He also became the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, and the only one until [[Félix Hernández]] took home the honor in [[2010 Seattle Mariners season|2010]]. |
After pitching well in the strike-shortened 1994 season, Johnson won the [[American League]] [[Cy Young Award]] in [[1995 Seattle Mariners season|1995]] with an 18–2 record, 2.48 ERA and 294 strikeouts. His .900 winning percentage was the second highest in AL history, behind [[Johnny Allen (baseball)|Johnny Allen]], who had gone 15–1 for the [[Cleveland Indians]] in 1937. Johnson became the first regular starting pitcher in history to strike out more than a third of all batters faced. He also became the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, and the only one until [[Félix Hernández]] took home the honor in [[2010 Seattle Mariners season|2010]]. Johnson capped the Mariners' late-season comeback by pitching a three-hitter in the AL West's one-game playoff, crushing the [[1995 California Angels season|California Angels]]' hopes with 12 strikeouts. Thus unable to start in the 5-game [[1995 American League Division Series|ALDS]] series against the [[1995 New York Yankees season|Yankees]] until the third game, Johnson watched as New York took a 2–0 series lead. He defeated the Yankees in Game 3 with 10 strikeouts in seven innings. |
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When the series went the full five games, the Mariners having come back from a 2–0 deficit to win both games at the [[Kingdome]], Johnson made a dramatic relief appearance in the series final, Game 5, on only one day's rest. Entering a 4–4 game in the ninth inning, Johnson pitched the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings. He allowed one run, struck out six, and held on for the series-ending win in Seattle's dramatic comeback. |
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Johnson capped the Mariners' late-season comeback by pitching a three-hitter in the AL West's one-game playoff, crushing the [[1995 California Angels season|California Angels]]' hopes with 12 strikeouts. Thus unable to start in the 5-game [[1995 American League Division Series|ALDS]] series against the [[1995 New York Yankees season|Yankees]] until the third game, Johnson watched as New York took a 2–0 series lead. He defeated the Yankees in Game 3 with 10 strikeouts in seven innings. |
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When the series went the full five games, the Mariners having come back from an 0–2 deficit to win both games at the [[Kingdome]], Johnson made a dramatic relief appearance in the series final, Game 5, on only one day's rest. Entering a 4–4 game in the ninth inning, Johnson pitched the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings. He allowed one run, struck out six, and held on for the series-ending win in Seattle's dramatic comeback. |
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====1996−1998==== |
====1996−1998==== |
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Johnson was sidelined throughout much of the 1996 season with a back injury, but he rebounded in [[1997 Seattle Mariners season|1997]] with a 20–4 record, 291 strikeouts, and a 2.28 ERA (his personal best). Between May 1994 and October 1997, Johnson had gone 53–9, including a 16–0 streak that fell one short of the AL record. Johnson had two 19-strikeout starts in 1997, on June 24 and August 8. |
Johnson was sidelined throughout much of the 1996 season with a back injury, but he rebounded in [[1997 Seattle Mariners season|1997]] with a 20–4 record, 291 strikeouts, and a 2.28 ERA (his personal best). Between May 1994 and October 1997, Johnson had gone 53–9, including a 16–0 streak that fell one short of the AL record. Johnson had two 19-strikeout starts in 1997, on June 24 and August 8.<ref>{{cite news |title=Johnson Gets 19, But It’s Oakland That Gets Victory |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-25-sp-6731-story.html |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 25, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mariners’ Johnson Gets 19 Strikeouts |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-09-sp-20895-story.html |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 9, 1997}}</ref> |
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Another colorful All-Star Game moment proceeded in the [[1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1997]] edition involving former Expos teammate [[Larry Walker]], at that point with the [[1997 Colorado Rockies season|Colorado Rockies]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF884F1FF49657&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Walker gets Kruk off hook Wilting under Johnson's high heat|first=Jerry|last=Crasnick|author-link=Jerry Crasnick |newspaper=[[Denver Post]]|date=July 9, 1997|page=D–01|access-date=December 1, 2011}} {{subscription required|date=December 2011}}</ref> |
Another colorful All-Star Game moment proceeded in the [[1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1997]] edition involving former Expos teammate [[Larry Walker]], at that point with the [[1997 Colorado Rockies season|Colorado Rockies]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF884F1FF49657&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Walker gets Kruk off hook Wilting under Johnson's high heat|first=Jerry|last=Crasnick|author-link=Jerry Crasnick |newspaper=[[Denver Post]]|date=July 9, 1997|page=D–01|access-date=December 1, 2011}} {{subscription required|date=December 2011}}</ref> When Johnson had started an interleague game versus the Rockies on June 12, Walker chose not to play, explaining that "I faced Randy one time in [[spring training]] and he almost killed me."<ref>{{cite news |author=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-12-sp-2622-story.html |title=Walker will not face Johnson |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 12, 1997 |access-date=February 4, 2017}}</ref> In the All-Star Game, Walker batted against Johnson, who theatrically threw over his head. Ever adaptable, Walker placed his [[batting helmet]] backwards and switched sides in the batters' box to stand ''right-handed'' for one pitch. He ended the at bat by drawing a walk.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/07/08/135270768/video-ted-williams-hits-asg-walk-off-home-run |title=Today in All-Star Game history: Larry Walker flips helmet, bats right-handed |work=[[MLB.com]] |date=July 8, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> The incident momentarily drew mirth and laughter from players in both [[Dugout (baseball)|dugouts]], [[Fan (person)|fans]] and announcers, and, of course, comparisons to the at bat with Kruk in the 1993 All-Star Game.<ref name=baker070997>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Chris |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-09-sp-11026-story.html |title=Johnson's wild toss amuses Walker, fans |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 9, 1997 |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> In spite of garnering a reputation of avoiding Johnson,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eisenberg |first1=John |last2=Kubatko |first2=Roch |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1997-07-09/sports/1997190039_1_larry-walker-johnson-at-bat |title=Relieved Walker walks away from hairy at-bat vs. Johnson Kruk-like wild pitch keeps Rockie on toes |work=[[Baltimore Sun]] |date=July 9, 1997 |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Walker batted .393 (11 hits in 28 at bats) against him in his career,<ref>{{cite web |author=[[Elias Sports Bureau]], Inc. |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/news/insider/story?id=2083323 |title=Elias says ... |work=[[ESPN.com]] |date=June 11, 2005 |access-date=February 4, 2017}}</ref> nearly double the rate of all left-handed batters at .199.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=johnsra05&year=Career&t=p |title=Randy Johnson career pitching splits |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> When the 1998 season began, Johnson was upset the Mariners would not offer him a contract extension, given his contract was expiring after the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/25/sports/baseball-johnson-and-seattle-no-reconciliation.html|title=Baseball; Johnson and Seattle: No Reconciliation|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 25, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> Though the Mariners initially wanted to keep Johnson, turning down a trade offer from the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/03/sports/baseball-mariners-put-stop-to-offers-and-plan-to-keep-their-ace.html|title=Baseball; Mariners Put Stop to Offers And Plan to Keep Their Ace|first=Murray|last=Chass|author-link=Murray Chass|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 3, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> they fell out of contention, going 8–20 in June.<ref name=marinersastrostrade>{{cite news|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19980802&slug=2764383|title=Mariners / Randy Johnson Trade -- What Happened?|first=Bob|last=Finnigan|newspaper=[[Seattle Times]]|date=August 2, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> Minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline, on July 31, the Mariners traded Johnson to the [[Houston Astros]] for three minor leaguers: [[Freddy García]], [[Carlos Guillén]], and [[John Halama]].<ref name=marinersastrostrade/> Johnson was a Mariner for nearly 9 years, his longest tenure with one team. |
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When the 1998 season began, Johnson was upset the Mariners would not offer him a contract extension, given his contract was expiring after the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/25/sports/baseball-johnson-and-seattle-no-reconciliation.html|title=Baseball; Johnson and Seattle: No Reconciliation|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 25, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> Though the Mariners initially wanted to keep Johnson, turning down a trade offer from the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/03/sports/baseball-mariners-put-stop-to-offers-and-plan-to-keep-their-ace.html|title=Baseball; Mariners Put Stop to Offers And Plan to Keep Their Ace|first=Murray|last=Chass|author-link=Murray Chass|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 3, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> they fell out of contention, going 8–20 in June.<ref name=marinersastrostrade>{{cite news|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19980802&slug=2764383|title=Mariners / Randy Johnson Trade -- What Happened?|first=Bob|last=Finnigan|newspaper=[[Seattle Times]]|date=August 2, 1998|access-date=December 2, 2011}}</ref> Minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline, on July 31, the Mariners traded Johnson to the [[Houston Astros]] for three minor leaguers: [[Freddy García]], [[Carlos Guillén]], and [[John Halama]].<ref name=marinersastrostrade/> |
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===Houston Astros (1998)=== |
===Houston Astros (1998)=== |
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===Arizona Diamondbacks (1999–2004)=== |
===Arizona Diamondbacks (1999–2004)=== |
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Johnson agreed to a four-year contract, with an option for a fifth year, for $52.4 million, with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], a second-year franchise.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/01/sports/baseball-johnson-signs-with-the-diamondbacks-for-52-million.html |title=Johnson Signs With the Diamondbacks for $52 Million |last=Chass |first=Murray |author-link=Murray Chass|date=December 1, 1998 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> Johnson led the team to the playoffs that year on the strength of a 17–9 record and 2.48 ERA with 364 strikeouts, leading the majors in innings, complete games, and strikeouts. Johnson won the 1999 NL Cy Young Award and [[Warren Spahn Award]] as the best left-handed pitcher in MLB.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/azcentral/access/1845955211.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+19%2C+2000&author=Mark+Gonzales&pub=Arizona+Republic&desc=DURABLE+JOHNSON+CARRIES+BIG+LOAD&pqatl=google |title=Durable Johnson Carries Big Load |first=Mark|last=Gonzales|newspaper=[[Arizona Republic]]|page=C1|date=February 19, 2000 |access-date=October 10, 2011}} {{subscription required|date=November 2011}}</ref> Johnson became the third pitcher in history, after [[Gaylord Perry]] and [[Pedro Martínez]], to win the Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues; Martínez won the AL Cy Young in the same season that Johnson won its NL counterpart. |
Johnson agreed to a four-year contract, with an option for a fifth year, for $52.4 million, with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], a second-year franchise.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/01/sports/baseball-johnson-signs-with-the-diamondbacks-for-52-million.html |title=Johnson Signs With the Diamondbacks for $52 Million |last=Chass |first=Murray |author-link=Murray Chass|date=December 1, 1998 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> Johnson led the team to the playoffs that year on the strength of a 17–9 record and 2.48 ERA with 364 strikeouts, leading the majors in innings, complete games, and strikeouts. Johnson won the 1999 NL Cy Young Award and [[Warren Spahn Award]] as the best left-handed pitcher in MLB.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/azcentral/access/1845955211.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+19%2C+2000&author=Mark+Gonzales&pub=Arizona+Republic&desc=DURABLE+JOHNSON+CARRIES+BIG+LOAD&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717041918/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/azcentral/access/1845955211.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+19,+2000&author=Mark+Gonzales&pub=Arizona+Republic&desc=DURABLE+JOHNSON+CARRIES+BIG+LOAD&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |title=Durable Johnson Carries Big Load |first=Mark|last=Gonzales|newspaper=[[Arizona Republic]]|page=C1|date=February 19, 2000 |access-date=October 10, 2011}} {{subscription required|date=November 2011}}</ref> Johnson became the third pitcher in history, after [[Gaylord Perry]] and [[Pedro Martínez]], to win the Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues; Martínez won the AL Cy Young in the same season that Johnson won its NL counterpart. Johnson finished 2000 with 19 wins, 347 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA, and won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> and Warren Spahn Award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://okcspahnawards.com/ |title=The Warren Spahn Award |publisher=Okcspahnawards.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> The Diamondbacks acquired [[Curt Schilling]] from the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in July 2000, and the two aces anchored the Diamondbacks rotation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/88072301.html?dids=88072301:88072301&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+05%2C+2001&author=Johnette+Howard&pub=Newsday+%28Combined+editions%29&desc=WORLD+SERIES+2001+%2F+Arizona%3A+Shake%2C+Rattle+%26+Roll+%2F+Schilling%2C+Johnson+prove+two+can+beat+25&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725093930/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/88072301.html?dids=88072301:88072301&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+05%2C+2001&author=Johnette+Howard&pub=Newsday+%28Combined+editions%29&desc=WORLD+SERIES+2001+%2F+Arizona%3A+Shake%2C+Rattle+%26+Roll+%2F+Schilling%2C+Johnson+prove+two+can+beat+25&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2012|title=WORLD SERIES 2001 / Arizona: Shake, Rattle & Roll / Schilling, Johnson prove two can beat 25|newspaper=Newsday|first=Johnette|last=Howard|date=November 5, 2001|page=A.75|access-date=December 1, 2011|url-access=subscription }}</ref> |
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Johnson finished 2000 with 19 wins, 347 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA, and won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award<ref name="baseball-reference1">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml |title=Randy Johnson Statistics and History |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> and Warren Spahn Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://okcspahnawards.com/ |title=The Warren Spahn Award |publisher=Okcspahnawards.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> The Diamondbacks acquired [[Curt Schilling]] from the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in July 2000, and the two aces anchored the Diamondbacks rotation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/88072301.html?dids=88072301:88072301&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+05%2C+2001&author=Johnette+Howard&pub=Newsday+%28Combined+editions%29&desc=WORLD+SERIES+2001+%2F+Arizona%3A+Shake%2C+Rattle+%26+Roll+%2F+Schilling%2C+Johnson+prove+two+can+beat+25&pqatl=google|title=WORLD SERIES 2001 / Arizona: Shake, Rattle & Roll / Schilling, Johnson prove two can beat 25|newspaper=Newsday|first=Johnette|last=Howard|date=November 5, 2001|page=A.75|access-date=December 1, 2011|url-access=subscription }}</ref> |
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In the fourth year of the franchise's existence, Johnson and Schilling carried the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first [[World Series]] appearance and victory in 2001 against the [[New York Yankees]]. Johnson and Schilling shared the [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award]], the [[Babe Ruth Award]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hutch_gehrig_ruth_clemente.shtml|title=The Hutch Award, Lou Gehrig Award, Babe Ruth Award & Roberto Clemente Award Winners|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref> and were named ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' magazine's 2001 "[[Sportsman of the Year|Sportsmen of the Year]]." For the first of two consecutive seasons, Johnson and Schilling finished 1–2 in the Cy Young balloting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/us_sport/2408123.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=November 6, 2002|title=Johnson scoops pitching prize|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> Johnson also won his third consecutive Warren Spahn Award.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Kg9CAAAAIBAJ&pg=1780,3645255|agency=[[Associated Press]]|title=Johnson wins award|newspaper=[[Altus Times]]|page=5|date=December 5, 2001|access-date=October 10, 2011}}</ref> Johnson's performance was particularly dominating, striking out 11 in a 3-hit shutout in Game 2, pitching seven innings for the victory in Game 6 and then coming on in relief the following day to pick up the win in Game 7. Of Arizona's eleven post-season wins in 2001, Johnson had five. He is also the last pitcher to win 3 games in a single World Series. |
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Johnson's Game 7 relief appearance was his second of the 2001 season; on July 19, a game against the Padres was delayed by two electrical explosions in [[Qualcomm Stadium]]. When the game resumed the following day, Johnson stepped in as the new pitcher and racked up 16 strikeouts in seven innings, technically setting the record for the most strikeouts in a relief stint.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200107180.shtml| title = Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres Box Score, July 18, 2001 {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com}} |
In the fourth year of the franchise's existence, Johnson and Schilling carried the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first [[World Series]] appearance and victory in 2001 against the [[New York Yankees]]. Johnson and Schilling shared the [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award]], the [[Babe Ruth Award]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hutch_gehrig_ruth_clemente.shtml|title=The Hutch Award, Lou Gehrig Award, Babe Ruth Award & Roberto Clemente Award Winners|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref> and were named ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' magazine's 2001 "[[Sportsman of the Year|Sportsmen of the Year]]." For the first of two consecutive seasons, Johnson and Schilling finished 1–2 in the Cy Young balloting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/us_sport/2408123.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=November 6, 2002|title=Johnson scoops pitching prize|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> Johnson also won his third consecutive Warren Spahn Award.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Kg9CAAAAIBAJ&pg=1780,3645255|agency=[[Associated Press]]|title=Johnson wins award|newspaper=[[Altus Times]]|page=5|date=December 5, 2001|access-date=October 10, 2011}}</ref> Johnson's performance was particularly dominating, striking out 11 in a 3-hit shutout in Game 2, pitching seven innings for the victory in Game 6 and then coming on in relief the following day to pick up the win in Game 7. Of Arizona's eleven post-season wins in 2001, Johnson had five. He is also the last pitcher to win 3 games in a single World Series. Johnson's Game 7 relief appearance was his second of the 2001 season; on July 19, a game against the Padres was delayed by two electrical explosions in [[Qualcomm Stadium]]. When the game resumed the following day, Johnson stepped in as the new pitcher and racked up 16 strikeouts in seven innings, technically setting the record for the most strikeouts in a relief stint.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200107180.shtml| title = Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres Box Score, July 18, 2001 {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> |
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[[File:Bird Beanball.png|200px|right|thumb|In 2001, Johnson struck a bird with a pitched ball, resulting in what [[ABC News]] described as a "sea of feathers".<ref name=abc>[https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=99757&page=1 Randy Johnson Kills Dove With Pitch]. ''[[ABC News]]'', March 26, 2001.</ref>]] |
[[File:Bird Beanball.png|200px|right|thumb|In 2001, Johnson struck a bird with a pitched ball, resulting in what [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] described as a "sea of feathers".<ref name=abc>[https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=99757&page=1 Randy Johnson Kills Dove With Pitch]. ''[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]'', March 26, 2001.</ref>]] |
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In a [[freak accident]] on March 24, 2001, at [[Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium|Tucson Electric Park]], during the 7th inning of a [[spring training]] game against the [[San Francisco Giants]], Johnson threw a fastball to [[Calvin Murray]] that struck and killed a [[dove]]. The ball was ruled dead, and it was ruled "no pitch".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/umpires/feature.jsp?feature=qa1 |title=The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Official info: Umpires: Feature |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> The event was not unique in baseball history, but it became one of Johnson's most-remembered baseball moments;<ref>"In the years since, fans have been as captivated by that fateful Spring Training start against the Giants as they have by Johnson's awesome pitching: 'Randy Johnson bird' even gets more Google results than 'Randy Johnson baseball.'" [https://www.mlb.com/cut4/randy-johnsons-pitch-hit-a-bird-16-years-ago/c-220734214 Let's remember the time Randy Johnson accidentally drilled a bird with a fastball]. ''[[Mlb.com]]'', March 24, 2017.</ref> a news story 15 years later remarked, "the event remains iconic, and the Big Unit says he gets asked about the incident nearly as much as he does about winning the World Series later that year with the Arizona Diamondbacks".<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/ornithologists-react-time-randy-johnson-hit-bird-pitch-440184 Bird Experts Reflect on Randy Johnson Hitting a Bird With a Pitch]. ''[[Newsweek]]'', March 24, 2016.</ref> |
In a [[freak accident]] on March 24, 2001, at [[Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium|Tucson Electric Park]], during the 7th inning of a [[spring training]] game against the [[San Francisco Giants]], Johnson threw a fastball to [[Calvin Murray]] that struck and killed a [[dove]]. The ball was ruled dead, and it was ruled "no pitch".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/umpires/feature.jsp?feature=qa1 |title=The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Official info: Umpires: Feature |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> The event was not unique in baseball history, but it became one of Johnson's most-remembered baseball moments;<ref>"In the years since, fans have been as captivated by that fateful Spring Training start against the Giants as they have by Johnson's awesome pitching: 'Randy Johnson bird' even gets more Google results than 'Randy Johnson baseball.'" [https://www.mlb.com/cut4/randy-johnsons-pitch-hit-a-bird-16-years-ago/c-220734214 Let's remember the time Randy Johnson accidentally drilled a bird with a fastball]. ''[[Mlb.com]]'', March 24, 2017.</ref> a news story 15 years later remarked, "the event remains iconic, and the Big Unit says he gets asked about the incident nearly as much as he does about winning the World Series later that year with the Arizona Diamondbacks".<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/ornithologists-react-time-randy-johnson-hit-bird-pitch-440184 Bird Experts Reflect on Randy Johnson Hitting a Bird With a Pitch]. ''[[Newsweek]]'', March 24, 2016.</ref> |
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Johnson struck out 20 batters in a game on May 8, 2001, against the [[Cincinnati Reds]]. Johnson recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings, but because the game went into extra innings, |
Johnson struck out 20 batters in a game on May 8, 2001, against the [[Cincinnati Reds]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Johnson's performance listed -- but not at the top |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2001/0509/1193942.html |access-date=July 28, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=May 9, 2001}}</ref> Johnson recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings and was replaced before the start of the tenth, but because the game went into extra innings, he is ineligible to share the nine-inning game strikeout record. On August 23, 2001, Johnson struck out three batters on nine pitches in the 6th inning of a 5–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the 30th pitcher in major league history to pitch an [[List of Major League Baseball pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning|immaculate inning]]. Johnson's 2001 season was the 2nd time in MLB history where a starting pitcher had more than twice as many strikeouts in a season (372) as hits allowed (181) (first accomplished by [[Pedro Martinez]] in the 2000 season with 284 strikeouts and 128 hits and later also accomplished by [[Max Scherzer]] in 2017, and both [[Gerrit Cole]] and [[Justin Verlander]] in 2019). He also became the second pitcher to strike out 300 more batters than he walked, walking 71 batters against 372 strikeouts (first accomplished by [[Sandy Koufax]] who struck out 382 batters against 71 walks in 1965). |
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In 2002, Johnson won the pitching [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]], leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, and was voted his fourth consecutive Cy Young and Warren Spahn Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030102&content_id=189354&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null|first=Barry M.|last=Bloom|title=More hardware for Big Unit |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[Major League Baseball Advanced Media|MLB Advanced Media]] |date=August 21, 2002 |access-date=October 10, 2011}}</ref> It was Johnson's fourth consecutive 300-strikeout season with the Diamondbacks, and fifth consecutive overall, extending his own MLB record from the previous season in which he set the record for the most consecutive seasons with 300 or more strikeouts in a season by a pitcher.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve Gilbert |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20090602&content_id=5109916&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Unit's historic career like no other | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> He also became the first pitcher in baseball history to post a 24–5 record.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers: An Historical Compendium of Pitching, Pitchers, and Pitches: Books: Bill James, Rob Neyer |date=June 15, 2004 |publisher=Amazon.com |isbn=0743261585 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/neyerjamesguidet00jame }}</ref> |
In 2002, Johnson won the pitching [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]], leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, and was voted his fourth consecutive Cy Young and Warren Spahn Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030102&content_id=189354&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null|first=Barry M.|last=Bloom|title=More hardware for Big Unit |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[Major League Baseball Advanced Media|MLB Advanced Media]] |date=August 21, 2002 |access-date=October 10, 2011}}</ref> It was Johnson's fourth consecutive 300-strikeout season with the Diamondbacks, and fifth consecutive overall, extending his own MLB record from the previous season in which he set the record for the most consecutive seasons with 300 or more strikeouts in a season by a pitcher.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve Gilbert |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20090602&content_id=5109916&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Unit's historic career like no other | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> He also became the first pitcher in baseball history to post a 24–5 record.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers: An Historical Compendium of Pitching, Pitchers, and Pitches: Books: Bill James, Rob Neyer |date=June 15, 2004 |publisher=Amazon.com |isbn=0743261585 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/neyerjamesguidet00jame }}</ref> |
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Johnson spent the majority of the 2003 season on the disabled list and was ineffective in the few injury-hampered starts he did make. He hit the only home run of his career on September 19, 2003, against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]]. Johnson was a .125 hitter over 625 career at-bats. |
Johnson spent the majority of the 2003 season on the disabled list and was ineffective in the few injury-hampered starts he did make.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Selbe |first=Nick |date=2020-05-18 |title=This Day in Sports History: Randy Johnson Throws Perfect Game |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/05/18/this-day-in-sports-history-randy-johnson-throws-perfect-game |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref> He hit the only home run of his career on September 19, 2003, against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arizona Diamondbacks vs Milwaukee Brewers Box Score: September 19, 2003 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200309190.shtml |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=January 29, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Johnson was a .125 hitter over 625 career at-bats.<ref name="baseball-reference1" /> |
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====Perfect game==== |
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On May 18, 2004, Johnson [[Randy Johnson's perfect game|pitched the 17th perfect game in baseball history]]. At 40 years of age, he was the oldest pitcher to accomplish this feat. Johnson had 13 strikeouts on his way to a 2–0 victory against the [[Atlanta Braves]]. The perfect game made him the fifth pitcher in Major League history (after [[Cy Young]], [[Jim Bunning]], [[Nolan Ryan]], and [[Hideo Nomo]]) to pitch a no-hitter in both leagues. He also became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to throw both a no-hitter and a perfect game in his career (after Young, Bunning, [[Addie Joss]], and [[Sandy Koufax]]; since Johnson, [[Mark Buehrle]] and [[Roy Halladay]] have joined this group). Johnson struck out [[Jeff Cirillo]] of the [[San Diego Padres]] on June 29, 2004, to become only the fourth MLB player to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve Gilbert |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040629&content_id=783948&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |title=Big Unit joins 4,000-strikeout club | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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{{Main article|Randy Johnson's perfect game}} |
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On May 18, 2004, Johnson [[Randy Johnson's perfect game|pitched the 17th perfect game in MLB history]]. At 40 years of age, he was the oldest pitcher to accomplish this feat. Johnson had 13 strikeouts on his way to a 2–0 victory against the [[Atlanta Braves]]. The perfect game made him the fifth pitcher in Major League history (after [[Cy Young]], [[Jim Bunning]], [[Nolan Ryan]], and [[Hideo Nomo]]) to pitch a no-hitter in both leagues. He also became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to throw both a no-hitter and a perfect game in his career (after Young, Bunning, [[Addie Joss]], and [[Sandy Koufax]]; since Johnson, [[Mark Buehrle]] and [[Roy Halladay]] have joined this group). Johnson struck out [[Jeff Cirillo]] of the [[San Diego Padres]] on June 29, 2004, to become only the fourth MLB player to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career.<ref>{{cite web|author=Steve Gilbert |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040629&content_id=783948&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |title=Big Unit joins 4,000-strikeout club | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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He finished the 2004 season with a 16–14 record, though his poor record was partially due to a lack of run support as his ERA that year was 2.60. Johnson led the major leagues in strikeouts (with 290). In the games where Arizona scored three or more runs, Johnson was 13–2. As his team only won 51 games that year, his ratio of winning 31.3% of his team's games was the highest for any starting pitcher since [[Steve Carlton]] in 1972 (who won 27 of the [[Phillies]]' 59 wins for an all-time record ratio of 45.8%). |
He finished the 2004 season with a 16–14 record, though his poor record was partially due to a lack of run support as his ERA that year was 2.60. Johnson led the major leagues in strikeouts (with 290). In the games where Arizona scored three or more runs, Johnson was 13–2. As his team only won 51 games that year, his ratio of winning 31.3% of his team's games was the highest for any starting pitcher since [[Steve Carlton]] in 1972 (who won 27 of the [[Phillies]]' 59 wins for an all-time record ratio of 45.8%). |
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===New York Yankees (2005–2006)=== |
===New York Yankees (2005–2006)=== |
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[[File:RandyJohnson.jpg|thumb|upright|Johnson with the Yankees]] |
[[File:RandyJohnson.jpg|thumb|upright|Johnson with the Yankees]] |
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The Diamondbacks traded Johnson to the [[New York Yankees]] for [[Javier Vázquez (baseball)|Javier Vázquez]], [[Brad Halsey]], [[Dioner Navarro]], and cash in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
The Diamondbacks traded Johnson to the [[New York Yankees]] for [[Javier Vázquez (baseball)|Javier Vázquez]], [[Brad Halsey]], [[Dioner Navarro]], and cash in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1955906|title=Paperwork in place for Johnson-Vazquez trade – MLB|work=ESPN.com|date=December 30, 2004|access-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref> Johnson pitched Opening Day for the Yankees on April 3, 2005, against the [[Boston Red Sox]]. Johnson was inconsistent through 2005, allowing 32 home runs; however, he regained his dominance in late 2005. He was 5–0 against the Yankees' [[Yankees – Red Sox rivalry|division rival]] Red Sox and finished the season 17–8 with a 3.79 ERA, and was second in the AL with 211 strikeouts. |
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In 2005, ''[[The Sporting News]]'' published an update of their 1999 book ''Baseball's 100 Greatest Players''. Johnson did not make the original edition, but for the 2005 update, with his career totals considerably higher and his 2001 World Championship season taken into account, he was ranked at Number 60.{{ |
In 2005, ''[[The Sporting News]]'' published an update of their 1999 book ''Baseball's 100 Greatest Players''. Johnson did not make the original edition, but for the 2005 update, with his career totals considerably higher and his 2001 World Championship season taken into account, he was ranked at Number 60.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baseball Evolution - The 2005 Sporting News Top 100 |url=http://baseballevolution.com/top100s/sportingnews2005.html |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=baseballevolution.com}}</ref> |
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Johnson was a disappointment in Game 3 of the [[2005 American League Division Series|2005 Division Series]] against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], allowing 5 runs on 2 home runs in 3 innings. In Game 5 in Anaheim, Johnson made an effective relief appearance after [[Mike Mussina]] gave up 5 runs and 6 hits to give the Angels a 5–2 lead, but the Yankees were unable to come back in the series. |
Johnson was a disappointment in Game 3 of the [[2005 American League Division Series|2005 Division Series]] against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]], allowing 5 runs on 2 home runs in 3 innings. In Game 5 in Anaheim, Johnson made an effective relief appearance after [[Mike Mussina]] gave up 5 runs and 6 hits to give the Angels a 5–2 lead, but the Yankees were unable to come back in the series. |
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After an inconclusive year in pinstripes, New York fans hoped that Johnson would return to his dominant style in his second Yankee season. Johnson began 2006 well, but then he struggled to find form. In between some impressive performances, he allowed 5 or more runs in 7 of his first 18 starts for the season. Johnson was more effective in the second half. Johnson finished the season with a 17–11 record, a subpar 5.00 ERA with 172 strikeouts. It was revealed at the end of the 2006 season that a herniated disc in Johnson's back had been stiffening him and it was only in his second to last start of the season that he decided to get it checked. This exposure caused him to miss his last start of 2006. After being given [[epidural anesthesia]] and a few bullpen sessions he was cleared to start in game 3 of the ALDS |
After an inconclusive year in pinstripes, New York fans hoped that Johnson would return to his dominant style in his second Yankee season. Johnson began 2006 well, but then he struggled to find form. In between some impressive performances, he allowed 5 or more runs in 7 of his first 18 starts for the season. Johnson was more effective in the second half. Johnson finished the season with a 17–11 record, a subpar 5.00 ERA with 172 strikeouts. It was revealed at the end of the 2006 season that a herniated disc in Johnson's back had been stiffening him and it was only in his second to last start of the season that he decided to get it checked. This exposure caused him to miss his last start of 2006. After being given [[epidural anesthesia]] and a few bullpen sessions he was cleared to start in game 3 of the ALDS; however, he gave up 5 runs in 5{{frac|2|3}} innings. |
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===Second stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–2008)=== |
===Second stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–2008)=== |
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Johnson made his season debut on April 14, 2008, against the [[San Francisco Giants]] at [[AT&T Park]] eight months following his back surgery. On June 3, 2008, Johnson struck out [[Mike Cameron]] of the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] for career strikeout number 4,673. With this strikeout Johnson surpassed [[Roger Clemens]] for the number two spot on the all-time strikeout leaders list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8557197/8596919 |title=Randy "Big Unit" Johnson vs. Roger Clemens |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> Johnson struck out 8 in the game but could not get the win as the Diamondbacks lost 7–1. |
Johnson made his season debut on April 14, 2008, against the [[San Francisco Giants]] at [[AT&T Park]] eight months following his back surgery. On June 3, 2008, Johnson struck out [[Mike Cameron]] of the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] for career strikeout number 4,673. With this strikeout Johnson surpassed [[Roger Clemens]] for the number two spot on the all-time strikeout leaders list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8557197/8596919 |title=Randy "Big Unit" Johnson vs. Roger Clemens |publisher=CBSSports.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> Johnson struck out 8 in the game but could not get the win as the Diamondbacks lost 7–1. |
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Johnson got his 4,700th career strikeout on July 6, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2833370&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=D-backs fall on Johnson's historic night | MLB.com: News |publisher=Arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517123351/http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2833370&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He finished the season with an 11–10 record and an ERA of 3.91, recording his 100th career complete game in a 2–1 victory over the [[Colorado Rockies]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bagnato|first=Andrew|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280928129|title=Johnson Throws 2-hitter, Diamondbacks Edge Rockies|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=September 28, 2008|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> |
Johnson got his 4,700th career strikeout on July 6, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2833370&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=D-backs fall on Johnson's historic night | MLB.com: News |publisher=Arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517123351/http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080603&content_id=2833370&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On July 27, 2008, [[Fred Lewis]] became the first left-handed batter to get four hits against Johnson in a game.<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite web |title=A Brief History of the Eephus pitch |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/a-brief-history-of-the-eephus-pitch/ |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 30, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2022}}</ref> In the first at-bat in this game, a [[fog horn]] went off as Johnson was releasing his pitch, causing him to throw an [[eephus pitch]] which fell for a strike.<ref name="The New York Times"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Randy Johnson Throws an Eephus Pitch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGhL88vtrV0&t=2s |publisher=YouTube |access-date=July 17, 2022}}</ref> He finished the season with an 11–10 record and an ERA of 3.91, recording his 100th career complete game in a 2–1 victory over the [[Colorado Rockies]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bagnato|first=Andrew|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=280928129|title=Johnson Throws 2-hitter, Diamondbacks Edge Rockies|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=September 28, 2008|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> |
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===San Francisco Giants (2009)=== |
===San Francisco Giants (2009)=== |
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[[File:Randy Johnson joins 300 win club.jpg|thumb|left|Johnson with the Giants in 2009]] |
[[File:Randy Johnson joins 300 win club.jpg|thumb|left|Johnson with the Giants in 2009]] |
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On December 26, 2008, Johnson signed a one-year deal with |
On December 26, 2008, Johnson signed a one-year deal with his hometown San Francisco Giants for a reported $8 million, with a possible $2.5 million in performance bonuses and another $2.5 million in award bonuses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081226&content_id=3728921&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |title=Giants sign free-agent pitcher Randy Johnson to one-year deal |access-date=September 14, 2009 |date=December 26, 2008 |work=[[MLB.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123184600/http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081226&content_id=3728921&vkey=pr_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081226&content_id=3728929&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp |title=Giants sign Big Unit to one-year deal |access-date=September 14, 2009|last=Haft |first=Chris |date=December 26, 2008 |work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Johnson became the 24th pitcher to reach [[300 win club|300 wins]], beating the [[Washington Nationals]] (the team that he first played for when they were known as the [[Montreal Expos]]) on June 4 at [[Nationals Park]] in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090604&content_id=5147372&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Big Unit gets 300th win on first try|first=Chris|last=Haft|work=MLB.com|date=June 4, 2009|access-date=December 1, 2011}}</ref> He became the seventh left-handed pitcher to achieve the 300-win milestone and the fifth pitcher in the last 50 years to get his 299th and 300th win in consecutive starts, joining [[Warren Spahn]], [[Steve Carlton]], [[Gaylord Perry]], and [[Tom Seaver]]. Johnson was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder on July 28, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4362433|work=ESPN.com|title=Johnson has rotator cuff tear|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=December 1, 2009}}</ref> Johnson was activated by the Giants on September 16, 2009, and assigned to the Giants bullpen.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/09/16/giants-activate-randy-johnson-to-pitch-out-of-bullpen/ | title=Giants Activate Randy Johnson to Pitch Out of Bullpen | publisher=fanhouse.com | access-date=September 16, 2009 | archive-date=September 23, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923012829/http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/09/16/giants-activate-randy-johnson-to-pitch-out-of-bullpen | url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 19, 2009, Johnson made his first relief appearance in 4 years, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers for 3 batters.<ref>{{cite web|title=MLB Gameday|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2009/index.jsp?gid=2009_09_19_sfnmlb_lanmlb_1|access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref> At age 46, he was at the time the second oldest player in Major League Baseball, trailing only former Mariners teammate [[Jamie Moyer]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Ortiz |first=Jorge L. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/giants/2009-05-31-randy-johnson-cover_N.htm |title=At 45 years old, Randy Johnson is still fired up |work=USA Today |date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> |
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===Retirement=== |
===Retirement=== |
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|Year = 2015 |
|Year = 2015 |
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On January 5, 2010, he announced his retirement from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite news |url= |
On January 5, 2010, he announced his retirement from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4799462 |title=Lefty Johnson retires |agency=Associated Press |date=January 6, 2010 |work=[[ESPN.com]] |access-date=January 7, 2010}}</ref> The Mariners invited Johnson to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the [[Seattle Mariners]] home opener at [[Safeco Field]] on April 12, 2010,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/larrystone/2011571621_stone11.html | work=The Seattle Times | title=Randy Johnson is enjoying retirement | first=Larry | last=Stone | date=April 10, 2010}}</ref> and inducted Johnson into the Mariners Hall of Fame on January 17, 2012.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2017263187_mari18.html | work=The Seattle Times | title=Randy Johnson, Dan Wilson named to Mariners Hall of Fame | first=Larry | last=Stone | date=January 27, 2012}}</ref> The Diamondbacks invited Johnson and former teammate [[Curt Schilling]] to both throw out the ceremonial first pitches for the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]' recognition of the 10th anniversary of the [[2001 World Series]] team that defeated the [[New York Yankees]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/RKTjds3r8b-/San+Diego+Padres+v+Arizona+Diamondbacks/P6zIHgGy0en|title = Randy Johnson Photostream}}</ref> |
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Johnson was selected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] in his first year of eligibility in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Baseball Hall of Fame: Johnson, Martinez, Smoltz, Biggio elected|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24939150/baseball-hall-of-fame-johnson-martinez-smoltz-biggio-elected|website=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=January 6, 2015}}</ref> The Diamondbacks retired his number on August 8, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/06/diamondbacks-to-retire-randy-johnsons-no-51/|title=Diamondbacks to retire Randy Johnson's No. 51|work=HardballTalk|date=January 7, 2015}}</ref> At the retirement ceremony, Johnson was presented with a replica of the drum set used by [[Neil Peart]], drummer for the Canadian band [[Rush (band)|Rush]], during their [[R30: 30th Anniversary Tour|30th anniversary tour]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/randy-johnson-played-drums-at-jersey-retirement-ceremony-video/269760 | work=Larry Brown Sports | title=Randy Johnson played drums at jersey retirement ceremony | first=Gordon | last=Dixon | date=August 8, 2015}}</ref> |
Johnson was selected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] in his first year of eligibility in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Baseball Hall of Fame: Johnson, Martinez, Smoltz, Biggio elected|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24939150/baseball-hall-of-fame-johnson-martinez-smoltz-biggio-elected|website=[[CBS Sports]]|access-date=January 6, 2015}}</ref> The Diamondbacks retired his number on August 8, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/06/diamondbacks-to-retire-randy-johnsons-no-51/|title=Diamondbacks to retire Randy Johnson's No. 51|work=HardballTalk|date=January 7, 2015}}</ref> At the retirement ceremony, Johnson was presented with a replica of the drum set used by [[Neil Peart]], drummer for the Canadian band [[Rush (band)|Rush]], during their [[R30: 30th Anniversary Tour|30th anniversary tour]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/randy-johnson-played-drums-at-jersey-retirement-ceremony-video/269760 | work=Larry Brown Sports | title=Randy Johnson played drums at jersey retirement ceremony | first=Gordon | last=Dixon | date=August 8, 2015}}</ref> |
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Johnson has participated in over 40 trips with the [[United Service Organizations]]. He also supports initiatives to fight homelessness. In recognition of all his charitable efforts, he was the Hall of Fame recipient of the [[Bob Feller Act of Valor Award]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Winners Announced |url=https://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2019-bob-feller-act-of-valor-award-winners-announced-3665ef5a3eb1}}</ref> |
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In January 2015, Johnson was named a Special Assistant to the team president of the Arizona Diamondbacks, [[Derrick Hall]]. |
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In 2020, ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked Johnson at number 28 on its "Baseball 100" list, complied by sportswriter [[Joe Posnanski]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Posnanski |first1=Joe |title=The Baseball 100: No. 28, Randy Johnson |url=https://theathletic.com/1633348/2020/02/28/the-baseball-100-no-28-randy-johnson/ |magazine=[[The Athletic]] |date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, ''[[The Sporting News]]'' named Johnson on their "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with [[Arizona Cardinals]] football player [[Larry Fitzgerald]], [[Phoenix Suns]] basketball player [[Steve Nash]], [[Phoenix Mercury]] basketball player [[Diana Taurasi]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fagan |first1=Ryan |title=Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports: Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Nash, Randy Johnson, Diana Taurasi voted best of the best |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/mount-rushmore-phoenix-larry-fitzgerald-randy-johnson-diana-taurasi-steve-nash/c6zncckwe5xhdk267jk0exbp |work=[[The Sporting News]] |date=July 30, 2022}}</ref> |
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==Photography career== |
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Since retiring from baseball, Johnson has pursued a second career as a photographer. He had studied [[photojournalism]] at the University of Southern California, and photography remained a passion. He has done photography work for [[National Football League|NFL]] games, a tour of the rock band [[Rush (band)|Rush]], and has done [[wildlife photography]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hahn |first=Jason |date=October 13, 2022 |title=MLB Legend Randy Johnson Is Now Living a Second Career as NFL and Wildlife Photographer |url=https://people.com/sports/mlb-legend-randy-johnson-is-now-living-a-second-career-as-nfl-and-wildlife-photographer/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=People}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Footer |first=Alyson |date=May 22, 2015 |title=On Their Game: Randy Johnson and Geddy Lee |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/randy-johnson-captures-rush-live-in-concert/c-126030412 |access-date=July 15, 2023 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref>{{clear}} |
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==Pitching style== |
==Pitching style== |
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In the prime of his career, Johnson's [[fastball]] was clocked as high as {{convert|102|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, with a low three-quarters delivery (nearly sidearm).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/LoriGrabel.shtml |title=Fastball clocked as high as 103 mph |publisher=Hypertextbook.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> His signature pitch was a [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] that broke down and away from left-handed hitters and down and in to right-handed hitters. The effectiveness of the pitch is marked by its velocity being in the low 90s along with tight late break; hitters often believed they were thrown a fastball until the ball broke just before it crossed home plate. Right-handed hitters have swung through and missed sliders that nearly hit their back foot.<ref>{{cite |
In the prime of his career, Johnson's [[fastball]] was clocked as high as {{convert|102|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, with a low three-quarters delivery (nearly sidearm).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/LoriGrabel.shtml |title=Fastball clocked as high as 103 mph |publisher=Hypertextbook.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> His signature pitch was a [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] that broke down and away from left-handed hitters and down and in to right-handed hitters. The effectiveness of the pitch is marked by its velocity being in the low 90s along with tight late break; hitters often believed they were thrown a fastball until the ball broke just before it crossed home plate. Right-handed hitters have swung through and missed sliders that nearly hit their back foot.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/tom_verducci/05/16/johnson/index.html |title=Showing his age: Johnson's woes reveal his best days are behind him|date=May 16, 2006|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|access-date=November 30, 2011|first=Tom|last=Verducci|author-link=Tom Verducci|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823055309/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/tom_verducci/05/16/johnson/index.html|archive-date=August 23, 2006}}</ref> Johnson dubbed his slider "Mr. Snappy".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050504/617694.html|title=El Meteoro? Not quite the same ring as Twinkletoes |access-date=October 9, 2007|first=Josh|last=Lewin|date=May 4, 2005|work=Sporting News|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184303/http://www.sportingnews.com/exclusives/20050504/617694.html|archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref> In later years, his fastball declined to the {{convert|96|mi/h| km/h|abbr=on}} range and his slider clocked at around {{convert|87|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Johnson also threw a split-finger fastball that behaved like a change-up, and a sinker to induce ground-ball outs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://feeds.foxsports.com/mlb/playerScouting?categoryId=85962 |title=Randy Johnson Scouting Report |publisher=Feeds.foxsports.com |access-date=July 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050427003201/http://feeds.foxsports.com/mlb/playerScouting?categoryId=85962 |archive-date=April 27, 2005}}</ref> In a June 27, 2012, appearance on ''[[The Dan Patrick Show]]'', [[Adam Dunn]] (a left-handed batter) was asked who the best pitcher he faced was. "Honestly, Randy Johnson when he was good. It's hopeless. It's like a hopeless feeling. The first time you face him you feel like he's going to hit you right in the back of the neck when he throws it, like every pitch is going to hit you in the back of the neck. And it ends up down and away for a strike and you just have to trust it's going to be a strike, and heaven forbid he doesn't lose one out there and heaven forbid, there goes your cheek."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/wbW8iplUilo?t=409 |title=Adam Dunn on The Dan Patrick Show 6.27.12 |publisher=youtube.com |access-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> |
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==Accomplishments== |
==Accomplishments== |
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[[File:Randy Johnson 2010.jpg|thumb|Johnson throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the [[Seattle Mariners]] home opener at [[Safeco Field]]]] |
[[File:Randy Johnson 2010.jpg|thumb|Johnson throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the [[Seattle Mariners]] home opener at [[Safeco Field]]]] |
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* Pitched his first no-hitter for Seattle (their first) on June 2, 1990, against Detroit |
* Pitched his first no-hitter for Seattle (their first) on June 2, 1990, against Detroit |
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* 10-time All-Star (1990, 1993–1995, 1997, 1999–2002, 2004) |
* 10-time All-Star (1990, 1993–1995, 1997, 1999–2002, 2004)<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Led the league in [[strikeouts]] nine times (1992–1995, 1999–2002, 2004) |
* Led the league in [[strikeouts]] nine times (1992–1995, 1999–2002, 2004)<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Led the league in ERA four times (1995, 1999, 2001, 2002) |
* Led the league in ERA four times (1995, 1999, 2001, 2002)<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Triple crown of pitching (2002)<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Won 3 games in a single World Series (2001) |
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* 5-time Cy Young Award winner (1995, 1999–2002)<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Triple crown (2002) |
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* 5-time Cy Young Award winner (1995, 1999–2002) |
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* 4-time [[Warren Spahn Award]] winner (1999–2002) |
* 4-time [[Warren Spahn Award]] winner (1999–2002) |
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* Holds the record for most strikeouts in a relief appearance (16 against San Diego on July 18, 2001) |
* Holds the record for most strikeouts in a relief appearance (16 against San Diego on July 18, 2001) |
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* Holds the record for highest single-season and career strikeout per 9 innings ratio: 13.41 and 10.61 |
* Holds the record for highest single-season and career strikeout per 9 innings ratio: 13.41 and 10.61<ref name="baseball-reference1"/> |
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* Holds the record for most games with 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more strikeouts<ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=15&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=14&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=13&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=12&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=11&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
* Holds the record for most games with 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more strikeouts<ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=15&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=14&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=13&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=12&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pitching Game Finder |url=https://stathead.com/baseball/game_finder.cgi?request=1&match=gmatchCar&order_by_asc=0&order_by=SO&series=any&series_game=any&min_year_game=1901&max_year_game=2020&as=result_pitcher&class=player&offset=0&type=p&number_matched=1&ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&cval%5B1%5D=11&cstat%5B1%5D=SO&team_id=ANY&opp_id=ANY&Role=anyGS&DEC=any&throws=any&is_birthday=either&location=pob&locationMatch=is&game_length=any&HV=any&temperature_min=0&temperature_max=120&wind_speed_min=0&wind_speed_max=90 |website=Stathead.com |publisher=[[Sports Reference]] |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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* World Series co-MVP ([[Curt Schilling]], 2001) |
* World Series co-MVP ([[Curt Schilling]], 2001) |
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* Co-winner of the [[Babe Ruth Award]] (Curt Schilling, 2001) |
* Co-winner of the [[Babe Ruth Award]] (Curt Schilling, 2001) |
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* Pitched a [[ |
* Pitched a [[Randy Johnson's perfect game|perfect game]] for Arizona against Atlanta (May 18, 2004) – oldest pitcher to do so in major-league history. |
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* Collected his 300th win in a 5–1 victory against the Washington Nationals on June 4, 2009 |
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*''Sports Illustrated'' [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#MLB All-Decade Team|MLB All-Decade Team]] (2009) |
*''Sports Illustrated'' [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#MLB All-Decade Team|MLB All-Decade Team]] (2009) |
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*[[Major league pitchers beating all 30 teams|Has defeated every major-league team at least once]] |
*[[Major league pitchers beating all 30 teams|Has defeated every major-league team at least once]] |
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* Most strikeouts in a game by a left-handed pitcher, struck out 20 batters on May 8, 2001, against Cincinnati Reds |
* Most strikeouts in a game by a left-handed pitcher, struck out 20 batters on May 8, 2001, against Cincinnati Reds (note: Johnson collected his 20th strikeout in the ninth inning of the game, but the game entered extra innings. Although he did not pitch in the 10th inning, by rule Johnson is not eligible to share the single-game strikeout record for a nine inning game.) |
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* Set American League record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game by a left-handed pitcher with 19 against the Oakland Athletics and later the Chicago White Sox in 1997 |
* Set American League record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game by a left-handed pitcher with 19 against the Oakland Athletics and later the Chicago White Sox in 1997 |
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* 4,875 strikeouts, most all-time for left-handed pitcher; 2nd most ever (Nolan Ryan, 5,714) |
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* Won 16 consecutive decisions from 1995 to 1997 |
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* |
* 212 games with 10+ strikeouts, most all-time for a left-handed pitcher; 2nd most ever (Nolan Ryan, 215)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask?q=most+games+with+10+or+more+strikeouts+by+a+pitcher+all-time |title=Most Games with 10 or more Strikeouts, All-time |website=StatMuse.com}}</ref> |
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* Named to the Mariners Hall of Fame |
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* Pitched two [[immaculate inning]]s (September 2, 1998, against the Atlanta Braves and August 23, 2001, against the Pittsburgh Pirates) |
* Pitched two [[immaculate inning]]s (September 2, 1998, against the Atlanta Braves and August 23, 2001, against the Pittsburgh Pirates) |
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* Johnson was elected to the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame]] on 97.3% of the vote on January 6, 2015, third-highest percentage of all time for pitchers. |
* Johnson was elected to the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame]] on 97.3% of the vote on January 6, 2015, third-highest percentage of all time for pitchers; formally inducted on July 26, 2015. |
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* Johnson was |
* On July 27, 2024, Johnson was inducted into the Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame along with teammate Luis Gonzalez. |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Johnson has four children with his wife Lisa: Sammy (born 1994), Tanner (born 1996), Willow (born 1998), and Alexandria (born 1999). He also has a daughter from a previous relationship |
Johnson has four children with his wife Lisa: Sammy (born 1994), Tanner (born 1996), Willow (born 1998), and Alexandria (born 1999). He also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Laurel Roszell named Heather Renee Roszell (born 1989).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/12050948/|title='Love child', mother lambaste Big Unit|work=NBCSports.com|date=March 29, 2006|access-date=August 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129231744/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/12050948/|archive-date=January 29, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a resident of [[Paradise Valley, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celebrityhousepictures.com/randy-johnson.php |title=Randy Johnson House Pictures |publisher=CelebrityHousePictures.com |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reagor |first1=Catherine |title=Baseball legend Randy Johnson's Paradise Valley mansion sells for $7.3M in auction |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/real-estate/catherine-reagor/2019/01/31/baseball-legend-randy-johnsons-paradise-valley-home-sells-7-3-m/2715585002/ |work=[[The Arizona Republic]] |date=January 31, 2019}}</ref> |
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Since retiring from baseball, Johnson has pursued a second career as a photographer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rj51photos.com/|title=Randy Johnson Photography|website=rj51photos.com|access-date=April 11, 2016}}</ref> |
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In January 2015, Johnson was named a Special Assistant to the team president of the Arizona Diamondbacks, [[Derrick Hall]]. |
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Johnson has participated in over 40 trips with the [[United Service Organizations]]. He also supports initiatives to fight homelessness. In recognition of all his charitable efforts, he was the Hall of Fame recipient of the [[Bob Feller Act of Valor Award]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2019-bob-feller-act-of-valor-award-winners-announced-3665ef5a3eb1|title=2019 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Winners Announced}}</ref> |
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==="Big Unit" nickname=== |
==="Big Unit" nickname=== |
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During batting practice in 1988, the {{convert|6|ft|10|in|adj=on}} Johnson, then with the [[Montreal Expos]], collided head-first with outfielder [[Tim Raines]], prompting his teammate to exclaim, "Damn! You're a big unit!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050527&content_id=1064763&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|title=Big beginnings for the Big Unit| |
During batting practice in 1988, the {{convert|6|ft|10|in|adj=on}} Johnson, then with the [[Montreal Expos]], collided head-first with outfielder [[Tim Raines]], prompting his teammate to exclaim, "Damn! You're a big unit!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050527&content_id=1064763&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |title=Big beginnings for the Big Unit |last1=Santasiere |first1=Alfred |last2=Swindal |first2=Haley |last3=Washington |first3=Quentin |date=May 27, 2005 |publisher=[[Major League Baseball|MLB Advanced Media, L.P.]] |access-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012185038/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050527&content_id=1064763&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref> The nickname stuck. |
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Throughout much of his career, Johnson held the title of tallest player in MLB history. Former pitchers [[Eric Hillman]], [[Andrew Sisco]], [[Andrew Brackman]], and [[Chris Young (pitcher)|Chris Young]] have also been measured at 6'10". |
Throughout much of his career, Johnson held the title of tallest player in MLB history. Former pitchers [[Eric Hillman]], [[Andrew Sisco]], [[Andrew Brackman]], and [[Chris Young (pitcher)|Chris Young]] have also been measured at 6'10". After his retirement, the title of tallest player was held by Johnson's former Diamondback teammate [[Jon Rauch]], a [[relief pitcher]] who is {{convert|6|ft|11|in}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2011/03/12/11baseballs-tallest-pitchers|title = Baseball's Tallest Pitchers| date=March 11, 2011 }}</ref> |
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==Acting career== |
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Johnson guest-starred in ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[Bart Has Two Mommies]]", which aired on March 19, 2006. Johnson appeared in the movie ''[[Little Big League]]'', playing himself. |
Johnson guest-starred in ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[Bart Has Two Mommies]]", which aired on March 19, 2006. Johnson appeared in the movie ''[[Little Big League]]'', playing himself.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sports Figures on The Simpsons |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2013/07/19/sports-figures-simpsons |access-date=March 18, 2024 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> |
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Johnson appeared in a [[Just for Men]] commercial where he had a grey beard and his neighbors told him "Your beard is weird." Johnson also appeared in a [[Right Guard]] commercial where he fired dodgeballs at [[Kyle Brandt]], who represented odor. Johnson also appeared in several commercials for [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] in 1998. The spots comedically portrayed him taking batting practice (swinging ineptly at balls from a pitching machine) in his hope that he would break Roger Maris's then-single-season record for home runs. He made a cameo appearance in a commercial for ''[[MLB 2K9]]'' with teammate [[Tim Lincecum]]. Johnson made an appearance in a [[GEICO]] insurance [[GEICO advertising campaigns|commercial]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geico.com/about/commercials/ |title=Commercials |publisher=GEICO |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> In 2012, he appeared in a TV ad for [[Pepsi Max]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pepsi TV Commercial For Pepsi Max Field Of Dreams |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7VbQ/pepsi-pepsi-max-field-of-dreams |website=iSpot.tv |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, Johnson appeared in a TV ad for the [[Mini Clubman (2007)|Mini Clubman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MINI Clubman Super Bowl 2016 TV Commercial, 'Defy Labels' Feat. Serena Williams |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AO8L/mini-clubman-super-bowl-2016-defy-labels-feat-serena-williams |website=iSpot.tv |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
Johnson appeared in a [[Just for Men]] commercial where he had a grey beard and his neighbors told him "Your beard is weird." Johnson also appeared in a [[Right Guard]] commercial where he fired dodgeballs at [[Kyle Brandt]], who represented odor. Johnson also appeared in several commercials for [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] in 1998. The spots comedically portrayed him taking batting practice (swinging ineptly at balls from a pitching machine) in his hope that he would break Roger Maris's then-single-season record for home runs. He made a cameo appearance in a commercial for ''[[MLB 2K9]]'' with teammate [[Tim Lincecum]]. Johnson made an appearance in a [[GEICO]] insurance [[GEICO advertising campaigns|commercial]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geico.com/about/commercials/ |title=Commercials |publisher=GEICO |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2012}}</ref> In 2012, he appeared in a TV ad for [[Pepsi Max]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pepsi TV Commercial For Pepsi Max Field Of Dreams |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7VbQ/pepsi-pepsi-max-field-of-dreams |website=iSpot.tv |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, Johnson appeared in a TV ad for the [[Mini Clubman (2007)|Mini Clubman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MINI Clubman Super Bowl 2016 TV Commercial, 'Defy Labels' Feat. Serena Williams |url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AO8L/mini-clubman-super-bowl-2016-defy-labels-feat-serena-williams |website=iSpot.tv |access-date=October 8, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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In 2022, Johnson appeared with his former teammates [[Ken Griffey Jr.]] and [[Alex Rodriguez]] as well as Hall of Famer [[David Ortiz]] in a commercial for the streaming service [[DirecTV Stream]] parodying ''[[Ghostbusters]]'', as the group (titled Goatbusters) battles a giant [[List of Major League Baseball mascots|Mr. Redlegs]] destroying a baseball stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ispot.tv/ad/bBxI/directv-stream-goatbusters|title=DIRECTV STREAM TV Spot, 'Get Your TV Together: GOATbusters' Ft. Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson |website=iSpot.tv|access-date=June 23, 2022|language=en}}</ref> |
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Johnson has been featured as a playable character in various ''[[Backyard Baseball]]'' games. |
Johnson has been featured as a playable character in various ''[[Backyard Baseball]]'' games. |
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Johnson appeared in the episode "Control" on ''[[Franklin & Bash]]'' as himself. |
Johnson appeared in the episode "Control" on ''[[Franklin & Bash]]'' as himself.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farris |first1=Danny |title=Randy Johnson on Franklin & Bash |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/randy-johnson-on-franklin--bash/c-54684420 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Major League Baseball titles leaders]] |
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{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} |
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* [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown]] |
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{{div col}} |
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* [[List of Seattle Mariners team records]] |
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* [[300 win club]] |
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* [[List of Arizona Diamondbacks team records]] |
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* [[3,000 strikeout club]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders]] |
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* [[Arizona Diamondbacks team records]] |
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* [[ |
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual shutout leaders]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls allowed leaders]] |
* [[List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls allowed leaders]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball career games started leaders]] |
* [[List of Major League Baseball career games started leaders]] |
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Line 228: | Line 228: | ||
* [[List of Major League Baseball individual streaks]] |
* [[List of Major League Baseball individual streaks]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters]] |
* [[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball perfect games]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball single-game strikeout leaders]] |
* [[List of Major League Baseball single-game strikeout leaders]] |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning]] |
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* [[List of Seattle Mariners team records]] |
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* [[List of World Series starting pitchers]] |
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* [[Major League Baseball titles leaders]] |
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* [[Perfect game (baseball)|Perfect game]] |
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* [[Seattle Mariners award winners and league leaders]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Randy Johnson}} |
{{Commons category|Randy Johnson}} |
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*{{baseballstats|mlb=116615 |espn=2131|br=j/johnsra05|fangraphs=60|brm=johnso002ran|retro=J/Pjohnr005}}, or [https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsra05 Baseball Almanac] |
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{{bbhof|johnson-randy}} |
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*{{bbhof|johnson-randy}} |
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{{baseballstats|mlb=116615 |espn=2131|br=j/johnsra05|fangraphs=60|brm=johnso002ran|retro=J/Pjohnr005}} |
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*{{sabrbio|e905e1ef}} |
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*[http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/e905e1ef Randy Johnson] at SABR Baseball BioProject |
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*[https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=johnsra05 Randy Johnson] at Baseball Almanac |
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*{{IMDb name | id = 0426027 | name = Randy Johnson }} |
*{{IMDb name | id = 0426027 | name = Randy Johnson }} |
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*[http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/johnson300/index.jsp Randy Johnson: Countdown to 300 Wins] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080803090139/http://videos.espn.com/baseball/arizona-diamondbacks/randy-johnson.htm Randy Johnson Video on ESPN Video Archive] |
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*[https://archive.today/20130123095425/http://multimedia.foxsports.com/baseball/arizona-diamondbacks/randy-johnson.htm Randy Johnson Video on FoxSports Video Archive] |
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*[https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL200405180.shtml Box score of Johnson's perfect game] |
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*[http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7762 CBS Player Page] |
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{{s-start |
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{{s-ach}} |
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{{succession box| title=[[List of Seattle Mariners Opening Day starting pitchers|Opening Day starting pitcher<br /> for the Seattle Mariners]]| before= [[Erik Hanson (baseball)|Erik Hanson]]<br />[[Jeff Fassero]] | years=1992 – 1996<br />1998 | after= [[Jeff Fassero]]<br />[[Jeff Fassero]]}} |
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{{succession box |
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{{Succession box| title=[[National League]] [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Pitching Triple Crown]] | before= [[Dwight Gooden]] | years=2002 | after= [[Jake Peavy]]}} |
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| title=[[List of Seattle Mariners Opening Day starting pitchers|Seattle Mariners Opening Day<br/>Starting Pitcher]] |
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{{Succession box| title=[[No-hitter]] pitcher | before=[[Mark Langston]] & [[Mike Witt]] <br />[[Roy Oswalt]], [[Peter Munro]], [[Kirk Saarloos]],<br />[[Brad Lidge]], [[Octavio Dotel]] & [[Billy Wagner]]| years= June 2, 1990 <br /> May 18, 2004 | after=[[Nolan Ryan]] <br />[[Aníbal Sánchez]]}} |
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| before= [[Erik Hanson (baseball)|Erik Hanson]]<br />[[Jeff Fassero]] |
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| years=1992 – 1996<br />1998 |
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{{Succession box| before = [[Chan Ho Park]]<br />[[Kerry Wood]]| title = [[Hits per nine innings|NL hits per nine innings]]| years = 2001<br />2004| after = [[A. J. Burnett]]<br />[[Roger Clemens]]}} |
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| after= [[Jeff Fassero]]<br />[[Jeff Fassero]] |
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{{Succession box| before = [[Nolan Ryan]]<br />[[Roger Clemens]]<br />[[Juan Guzmán (baseball)|Juan Guzmán]]| title = [[Hits per nine innings|AL hits per nine innings]]| years = 1992–1993<br />1995<br />1997| after = [[Roger Clemens]]<br />[[Juan Guzmán (baseball)|Juan Guzmán]]<br />[[Roger Clemens]]}} |
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{{Succession box| title = American League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] Starting Pitcher| years = [[1995 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1995]]<br />[[1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1997]]| before = [[Jimmy Key]]<br />[[Charles Nagy]]| after = [[Charles Nagy]]<br />[[David Wells]]}} |
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{{Succession box| title = National League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] Starting Pitcher| years = [[2000 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2000]]–[[2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2001]]| before = [[Curt Schilling]]| after = [[Curt Schilling]]}} |
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| title=[[List of Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day starting pitchers|Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day<br/>Starting Pitcher]] |
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| years=1999 – 2004 |
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| after= [[Javier Vázquez (baseball)|Javier Vázquez]] |
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| title=[[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters|No hitter pitcher]] |
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| before=[[Mark Langston]] & [[Mike Witt]] <br />[[Roy Oswalt]], [[Peter Munro]], [[Kirk Saarloos]],<br />[[Brad Lidge]], [[Octavio Dotel]] & [[Billy Wagner]] |
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| years= June 2, 1990 <br /> May 18, 2004 |
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| after=[[Nolan Ryan]] <br />[[Aníbal Sánchez]] |
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}} |
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{{Succession box |
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| before = [[David Cone]] |
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| title = [[List of Major League Baseball perfect games|Perfect game pitcher]] |
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| years = May 18, 2004 |
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| after = [[Mark Buehrle]] |
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}} |
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{{Succession box |
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| title = American League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] Starting Pitcher |
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| years = [[1995 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1995]]<br />[[1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1997]] |
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| before = [[Jimmy Key]]<br />[[Charles Nagy]]| after = [[Charles Nagy]]<br />[[David Wells]] |
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}} |
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{{Succession box |
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| title = National League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] Starting Pitcher |
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| years = [[2000 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2000]]–[[2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2001]] |
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| before = [[Curt Schilling]] |
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| after = [[Curt Schilling]] |
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Latest revision as of 10:02, 15 August 2024
Randy Johnson | |
---|---|
Johnson in 2016 | |
Pitcher | |
Born: Walnut Creek, California, U.S. | September 10, 1963|
Batted: Right Threw: Left | |
MLB debut | |
September 15, 1988, for the Montreal Expos | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 4, 2009, for the San Francisco Giants | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 303–166 |
Earned run average | 3.29 |
Strikeouts | 4,875 |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Member of the National | |
Induction | 2015 |
Vote | 97.3% (first ballot) |
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 (1988–2009) for six teams, primarily the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.
At 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 metres) tall, Johnson was the tallest player in MLB history when he entered the league, contributing to his extremely intimidating persona and pitching style. He is particularly known for his overpowering fastball and devastating slider, a combination that remained effective throughout his lengthy career. While he initially struggled with control in his early seasons, Johnson subsequently established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, leading his league in strikeouts nine times, and in earned run average, winning percentage, and complete games four times each. Along with teammate Curt Schilling, Johnson was one of two World Series Most Valuable Players in 2001; in the Series, Johnson won three games and led the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees in the fourth season of the team's existence. He won the pitching Triple Crown in 2002.
Johnson's 303 career victories are the fifth-most by a left-hander in MLB history, while his 4,875 strikeouts place him second all time behind Nolan Ryan and first among left-handers. Johnson is a ten-time All-Star, won the Cy Young Award five times, and is one of only two pitchers (the other is Greg Maddux) to win the award in four consecutive seasons (1999–2002). Johnson won Cy Young Awards in both leagues. He is also one of five pitchers to pitch no-hitters in both leagues, and one of 21 pitchers in history to record a win against all 30 MLB franchises.
Johnson enjoyed a career longevity uncommon to pitchers, with his signature fastball-slider combination remaining effective well into his 40s. Four of his six 300-strikeout seasons occurred after his 35th birthday. On May 18, 2004, at 40 years old, he threw Major League Baseball's 17th perfect game, and remains the oldest pitcher to accomplish the feat. Johnson retired at the age of 46, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015, his first year of eligibility. He is the first member of the Hall to be depicted in a Diamondbacks uniform on his plaque.
Early life
[edit]Johnson was born in the San Francisco Bay Area suburb of Walnut Creek, California, to Carol Hannah and Rollen Charles "Bud" Johnson.[1] By the time he entered Livermore High School, he was a star in baseball and basketball. In 1982, as a senior, he struck out 121 batters in 66 innings, and threw a perfect game in his last high school start.
College career
[edit]Johnson accepted a full athletic scholarship to play baseball for the University of Southern California. While at USC, he also played two years of basketball.[2] He was a starter at USC (where he was a teammate of Mark McGwire) under coach Rod Dedeaux, but often exhibited control problems.[3]
Professional career
[edit]Drafts and minor leagues
[edit]After high school, Johnson was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 4th round of the 1982 MLB draft, but did not sign. He was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the second round of the 1985 Major League Baseball draft. In 1985, he pitched for the Jamestown Expos of the New York-Pennsylvania League.[4] In 1986, he pitched for the West Palm Beach Expos of the Florida State League. In 1987, he pitched for the Jacksonville Expos of the Southern League.[5] In 1988, he pitched for the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association.[6]
Montreal Expos (1988–1989)
[edit]He made his major league debut on September 15, 1988, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning a 9–4 victory with a five-inning outing in which he gave up two runs with five strikeouts; his first victim was Orestes Destrade in the second inning. Johnson posted a record of 3–0 with a 2.42 earned run average (ERA) in four games in 1988, but 1989 saw him slip to an 0–4 mark with a 6.67 ERA in seven games through May 7. On May 25, 1989, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in a trade involving five pitchers that brought Mark Langston to Montreal. In 11 total games played with the Expos, he went 3–4 with a 4.69 ERA and one complete game in 55+2⁄3 innings with 51 strikeouts and 33 walks.
Seattle Mariners (1989–1998)
[edit]1989–1992
[edit]After joining the Mariners during the 1989 season, Johnson led the American League in walks for three consecutive seasons (1990–1992), and hit batsmen in 1992 and 1993.[7] In July 1991, facing the Milwaukee Brewers, the erratic Johnson allowed 4 runs on 1 hit, thanks to 10 walks in 4 innings. A month later, a 9th-inning single cost him a no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics. Johnson suffered another 10-walk, 4-inning start in 1992.
His untapped talent was explosive: In 1990, Johnson became the first left-hander to strike out Wade Boggs three times in one game, and a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers attested to his potential. Johnson credits a session with Nolan Ryan late in the 1992 season with helping him take his career to the next level; Ryan has said that he appreciated Johnson's talent and did not want to see him take as long to figure certain things out as he had taken. Ryan recommended a slight change in his delivery; before the meeting, Johnson would land on the heel of his foot after delivering a pitch, and he therefore usually landed offline from home plate. Ryan suggested that he land on the ball of his foot, and almost immediately, he began finding the strike zone more consistently.[8] In a September 27, 1992, game against the Texas Rangers, with Ryan the opposing starting pitcher, Johnson struck out 18 batters in eight innings while throwing 160 pitches, a pitch count that has not been reached in an MLB game since.[9] It was during the 1992 off-season when Johnson returned home for Christmas only to lose his father to an aortic aneurysm. His father's death was so devastating that he decided to quit baseball, only to have his mother convince him otherwise.[10]
1993
[edit]Johnson broke out in 1993, posting a 19–8 record, 3.24 ERA and one save, his first of six 300-plus strikeout seasons (308), and he was also the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to reach 300 strikeouts in a single season. In May 1993, Johnson again lost a no-hitter to a 9th-inning single; again, the opponent was the Oakland Athletics. He also recorded his 1,000th career strikeout against the Minnesota Twins' Chuck Knoblauch. Prior to the trade deadline, Johnson was nearly dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays for Steve Karsay and Mike Timlin. Toronto general manager Pat Gillick had two separate transactions on the table including the one for Johnson with Seattle general manager Woody Woodward and one for Rickey Henderson with Oakland general manager Sandy Alderson. When Gillick was unable to contact Woodward he agreed to utilize the deal with Alderson. When Woodward returned Gillick's call he said he would agree to the deal for Johnson. However, Gillick gave his word to Alderson even though the deal had not been finalized.[11] At the 1993 All-Star Game in Baltimore, Maryland, in a famous incident, Johnson threw a fastball over the head of Philadelphia Phillies first baseman John Kruk.[12] On October 3, Johnson entered the final game of the season as a defensive substitution, replacing Brian Turang in left field. This made him the tallest player to play the field in baseball history.[13]
1995
[edit]After pitching well in the strike-shortened 1994 season, Johnson won the American League Cy Young Award in 1995 with an 18–2 record, 2.48 ERA and 294 strikeouts. His .900 winning percentage was the second highest in AL history, behind Johnny Allen, who had gone 15–1 for the Cleveland Indians in 1937. Johnson became the first regular starting pitcher in history to strike out more than a third of all batters faced. He also became the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to win the Cy Young Award, and the only one until Félix Hernández took home the honor in 2010. Johnson capped the Mariners' late-season comeback by pitching a three-hitter in the AL West's one-game playoff, crushing the California Angels' hopes with 12 strikeouts. Thus unable to start in the 5-game ALDS series against the Yankees until the third game, Johnson watched as New York took a 2–0 series lead. He defeated the Yankees in Game 3 with 10 strikeouts in seven innings.
When the series went the full five games, the Mariners having come back from a 2–0 deficit to win both games at the Kingdome, Johnson made a dramatic relief appearance in the series final, Game 5, on only one day's rest. Entering a 4–4 game in the ninth inning, Johnson pitched the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings. He allowed one run, struck out six, and held on for the series-ending win in Seattle's dramatic comeback.
1996−1998
[edit]Johnson was sidelined throughout much of the 1996 season with a back injury, but he rebounded in 1997 with a 20–4 record, 291 strikeouts, and a 2.28 ERA (his personal best). Between May 1994 and October 1997, Johnson had gone 53–9, including a 16–0 streak that fell one short of the AL record. Johnson had two 19-strikeout starts in 1997, on June 24 and August 8.[14][15]
Another colorful All-Star Game moment proceeded in the 1997 edition involving former Expos teammate Larry Walker, at that point with the Colorado Rockies.[16] When Johnson had started an interleague game versus the Rockies on June 12, Walker chose not to play, explaining that "I faced Randy one time in spring training and he almost killed me."[17] In the All-Star Game, Walker batted against Johnson, who theatrically threw over his head. Ever adaptable, Walker placed his batting helmet backwards and switched sides in the batters' box to stand right-handed for one pitch. He ended the at bat by drawing a walk.[18] The incident momentarily drew mirth and laughter from players in both dugouts, fans and announcers, and, of course, comparisons to the at bat with Kruk in the 1993 All-Star Game.[19] In spite of garnering a reputation of avoiding Johnson,[20] Walker batted .393 (11 hits in 28 at bats) against him in his career,[21] nearly double the rate of all left-handed batters at .199.[22] When the 1998 season began, Johnson was upset the Mariners would not offer him a contract extension, given his contract was expiring after the season.[23] Though the Mariners initially wanted to keep Johnson, turning down a trade offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers,[24] they fell out of contention, going 8–20 in June.[25] Minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline, on July 31, the Mariners traded Johnson to the Houston Astros for three minor leaguers: Freddy García, Carlos Guillén, and John Halama.[25] Johnson was a Mariner for nearly 9 years, his longest tenure with one team.
Houston Astros (1998)
[edit]In 11 regular-season starts with the Astros, Johnson posted a 10–1 record, a 1.28 ERA, and 116 strikeouts in 84+1⁄3 innings, and pitched four shutouts. Johnson finished 7th in the National League Cy Young Award voting, despite pitching only two months in the league, and helped Houston win their second straight National League Central division title. During the playoffs, however, the Astros lost the 1998 NLDS to the San Diego Padres, 3–1. Johnson started Games 1 and 4, both losses. He only gave up three earned runs combined in the two games, but received only one run in support (in Game 4).
Arizona Diamondbacks (1999–2004)
[edit]Johnson agreed to a four-year contract, with an option for a fifth year, for $52.4 million, with the Arizona Diamondbacks, a second-year franchise.[26] Johnson led the team to the playoffs that year on the strength of a 17–9 record and 2.48 ERA with 364 strikeouts, leading the majors in innings, complete games, and strikeouts. Johnson won the 1999 NL Cy Young Award and Warren Spahn Award as the best left-handed pitcher in MLB.[27] Johnson became the third pitcher in history, after Gaylord Perry and Pedro Martínez, to win the Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues; Martínez won the AL Cy Young in the same season that Johnson won its NL counterpart. Johnson finished 2000 with 19 wins, 347 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA, and won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award[7] and Warren Spahn Award.[28] The Diamondbacks acquired Curt Schilling from the Philadelphia Phillies in July 2000, and the two aces anchored the Diamondbacks rotation.[29]
In the fourth year of the franchise's existence, Johnson and Schilling carried the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series appearance and victory in 2001 against the New York Yankees. Johnson and Schilling shared the World Series Most Valuable Player Award, the Babe Ruth Award,[30] and were named Sports Illustrated magazine's 2001 "Sportsmen of the Year." For the first of two consecutive seasons, Johnson and Schilling finished 1–2 in the Cy Young balloting.[31] Johnson also won his third consecutive Warren Spahn Award.[32] Johnson's performance was particularly dominating, striking out 11 in a 3-hit shutout in Game 2, pitching seven innings for the victory in Game 6 and then coming on in relief the following day to pick up the win in Game 7. Of Arizona's eleven post-season wins in 2001, Johnson had five. He is also the last pitcher to win 3 games in a single World Series. Johnson's Game 7 relief appearance was his second of the 2001 season; on July 19, a game against the Padres was delayed by two electrical explosions in Qualcomm Stadium. When the game resumed the following day, Johnson stepped in as the new pitcher and racked up 16 strikeouts in seven innings, technically setting the record for the most strikeouts in a relief stint.[33]
In a freak accident on March 24, 2001, at Tucson Electric Park, during the 7th inning of a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants, Johnson threw a fastball to Calvin Murray that struck and killed a dove. The ball was ruled dead, and it was ruled "no pitch".[35] The event was not unique in baseball history, but it became one of Johnson's most-remembered baseball moments;[36] a news story 15 years later remarked, "the event remains iconic, and the Big Unit says he gets asked about the incident nearly as much as he does about winning the World Series later that year with the Arizona Diamondbacks".[37]
Johnson struck out 20 batters in a game on May 8, 2001, against the Cincinnati Reds.[38] Johnson recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings and was replaced before the start of the tenth, but because the game went into extra innings, he is ineligible to share the nine-inning game strikeout record. On August 23, 2001, Johnson struck out three batters on nine pitches in the 6th inning of a 5–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the 30th pitcher in major league history to pitch an immaculate inning. Johnson's 2001 season was the 2nd time in MLB history where a starting pitcher had more than twice as many strikeouts in a season (372) as hits allowed (181) (first accomplished by Pedro Martinez in the 2000 season with 284 strikeouts and 128 hits and later also accomplished by Max Scherzer in 2017, and both Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander in 2019). He also became the second pitcher to strike out 300 more batters than he walked, walking 71 batters against 372 strikeouts (first accomplished by Sandy Koufax who struck out 382 batters against 71 walks in 1965).
In 2002, Johnson won the pitching Triple Crown, leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, and was voted his fourth consecutive Cy Young and Warren Spahn Awards.[39] It was Johnson's fourth consecutive 300-strikeout season with the Diamondbacks, and fifth consecutive overall, extending his own MLB record from the previous season in which he set the record for the most consecutive seasons with 300 or more strikeouts in a season by a pitcher.[40] He also became the first pitcher in baseball history to post a 24–5 record.[41]
Johnson spent the majority of the 2003 season on the disabled list and was ineffective in the few injury-hampered starts he did make.[42] He hit the only home run of his career on September 19, 2003, against the Milwaukee Brewers.[43] Johnson was a .125 hitter over 625 career at-bats.[7]
Perfect game
[edit]On May 18, 2004, Johnson pitched the 17th perfect game in MLB history. At 40 years of age, he was the oldest pitcher to accomplish this feat. Johnson had 13 strikeouts on his way to a 2–0 victory against the Atlanta Braves. The perfect game made him the fifth pitcher in Major League history (after Cy Young, Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Hideo Nomo) to pitch a no-hitter in both leagues. He also became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to throw both a no-hitter and a perfect game in his career (after Young, Bunning, Addie Joss, and Sandy Koufax; since Johnson, Mark Buehrle and Roy Halladay have joined this group). Johnson struck out Jeff Cirillo of the San Diego Padres on June 29, 2004, to become only the fourth MLB player to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career.[44]
He finished the 2004 season with a 16–14 record, though his poor record was partially due to a lack of run support as his ERA that year was 2.60. Johnson led the major leagues in strikeouts (with 290). In the games where Arizona scored three or more runs, Johnson was 13–2. As his team only won 51 games that year, his ratio of winning 31.3% of his team's games was the highest for any starting pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1972 (who won 27 of the Phillies' 59 wins for an all-time record ratio of 45.8%).
New York Yankees (2005–2006)
[edit]The Diamondbacks traded Johnson to the New York Yankees for Javier Vázquez, Brad Halsey, Dioner Navarro, and cash in January 2005.[45] Johnson pitched Opening Day for the Yankees on April 3, 2005, against the Boston Red Sox. Johnson was inconsistent through 2005, allowing 32 home runs; however, he regained his dominance in late 2005. He was 5–0 against the Yankees' division rival Red Sox and finished the season 17–8 with a 3.79 ERA, and was second in the AL with 211 strikeouts.
In 2005, The Sporting News published an update of their 1999 book Baseball's 100 Greatest Players. Johnson did not make the original edition, but for the 2005 update, with his career totals considerably higher and his 2001 World Championship season taken into account, he was ranked at Number 60.[46]
Johnson was a disappointment in Game 3 of the 2005 Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, allowing 5 runs on 2 home runs in 3 innings. In Game 5 in Anaheim, Johnson made an effective relief appearance after Mike Mussina gave up 5 runs and 6 hits to give the Angels a 5–2 lead, but the Yankees were unable to come back in the series.
After an inconclusive year in pinstripes, New York fans hoped that Johnson would return to his dominant style in his second Yankee season. Johnson began 2006 well, but then he struggled to find form. In between some impressive performances, he allowed 5 or more runs in 7 of his first 18 starts for the season. Johnson was more effective in the second half. Johnson finished the season with a 17–11 record, a subpar 5.00 ERA with 172 strikeouts. It was revealed at the end of the 2006 season that a herniated disc in Johnson's back had been stiffening him and it was only in his second to last start of the season that he decided to get it checked. This exposure caused him to miss his last start of 2006. After being given epidural anesthesia and a few bullpen sessions he was cleared to start in game 3 of the ALDS; however, he gave up 5 runs in 52⁄3 innings.
Second stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007–2008)
[edit]In January 2007, the Yankees traded Johnson back to the Diamondbacks, almost two years to the day that Arizona had traded him to New York, for a package of Luis Vizcaíno, Alberto González, Steven Jackson, and Ross Ohlendorf.[7] The Yankees' decision to trade Johnson was primarily based on a pre-season conversation he had with Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman about the importance of being closer to his family in Phoenix after the death of his brother.[47]
Johnson missed most of April, rehabilitating his injured back before returning on April 24, 2007. Johnson allowed six runs in 5 innings and took the loss, but struck out seven. He returned to form, and by his tenth start of the season was among the NL's top ten strikeout pitchers. But on July 3, his surgically repaired disc from the previous season was reinjured. Johnson had season-ending surgery on the same disc, this time removing it completely. Reporting that the procedure went "a little better than expected", Arizona hoped that Johnson would be ready for the 2008 season.[48]
Johnson made his season debut on April 14, 2008, against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park eight months following his back surgery. On June 3, 2008, Johnson struck out Mike Cameron of the Milwaukee Brewers for career strikeout number 4,673. With this strikeout Johnson surpassed Roger Clemens for the number two spot on the all-time strikeout leaders list.[49] Johnson struck out 8 in the game but could not get the win as the Diamondbacks lost 7–1.
Johnson got his 4,700th career strikeout on July 6, 2008.[50] On July 27, 2008, Fred Lewis became the first left-handed batter to get four hits against Johnson in a game.[51] In the first at-bat in this game, a fog horn went off as Johnson was releasing his pitch, causing him to throw an eephus pitch which fell for a strike.[51][52] He finished the season with an 11–10 record and an ERA of 3.91, recording his 100th career complete game in a 2–1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.[53]
San Francisco Giants (2009)
[edit]On December 26, 2008, Johnson signed a one-year deal with his hometown San Francisco Giants for a reported $8 million, with a possible $2.5 million in performance bonuses and another $2.5 million in award bonuses.[54][55] Johnson became the 24th pitcher to reach 300 wins, beating the Washington Nationals (the team that he first played for when they were known as the Montreal Expos) on June 4 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.[56] He became the seventh left-handed pitcher to achieve the 300-win milestone and the fifth pitcher in the last 50 years to get his 299th and 300th win in consecutive starts, joining Warren Spahn, Steve Carlton, Gaylord Perry, and Tom Seaver. Johnson was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder on July 28, 2009.[57] Johnson was activated by the Giants on September 16, 2009, and assigned to the Giants bullpen.[58] On September 19, 2009, Johnson made his first relief appearance in 4 years, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers for 3 batters.[59] At age 46, he was at the time the second oldest player in Major League Baseball, trailing only former Mariners teammate Jamie Moyer.[60]
Retirement
[edit]On January 5, 2010, he announced his retirement from professional baseball.[61] The Mariners invited Johnson to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners home opener at Safeco Field on April 12, 2010,[62] and inducted Johnson into the Mariners Hall of Fame on January 17, 2012.[63] The Diamondbacks invited Johnson and former teammate Curt Schilling to both throw out the ceremonial first pitches for the Arizona Diamondbacks' recognition of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 World Series team that defeated the New York Yankees.[64]
Johnson was selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2015.[65] The Diamondbacks retired his number on August 8, 2015.[66] At the retirement ceremony, Johnson was presented with a replica of the drum set used by Neil Peart, drummer for the Canadian band Rush, during their 30th anniversary tour.[67]
Johnson has participated in over 40 trips with the United Service Organizations. He also supports initiatives to fight homelessness. In recognition of all his charitable efforts, he was the Hall of Fame recipient of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2019.[68]
In January 2015, Johnson was named a Special Assistant to the team president of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Derrick Hall.
In 2020, The Athletic ranked Johnson at number 28 on its "Baseball 100" list, complied by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.[69] In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, The Sporting News named Johnson on their "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with Arizona Cardinals football player Larry Fitzgerald, Phoenix Suns basketball player Steve Nash, Phoenix Mercury basketball player Diana Taurasi.[70]
Photography career
[edit]Since retiring from baseball, Johnson has pursued a second career as a photographer. He had studied photojournalism at the University of Southern California, and photography remained a passion. He has done photography work for NFL games, a tour of the rock band Rush, and has done wildlife photography.[71][72]
Pitching style
[edit]In the prime of his career, Johnson's fastball was clocked as high as 102 mph (164 km/h), with a low three-quarters delivery (nearly sidearm).[73] His signature pitch was a slider that broke down and away from left-handed hitters and down and in to right-handed hitters. The effectiveness of the pitch is marked by its velocity being in the low 90s along with tight late break; hitters often believed they were thrown a fastball until the ball broke just before it crossed home plate. Right-handed hitters have swung through and missed sliders that nearly hit their back foot.[74] Johnson dubbed his slider "Mr. Snappy".[75] In later years, his fastball declined to the 96 mph (154 km/h) range and his slider clocked at around 87 mph (140 km/h). Johnson also threw a split-finger fastball that behaved like a change-up, and a sinker to induce ground-ball outs.[76] In a June 27, 2012, appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Adam Dunn (a left-handed batter) was asked who the best pitcher he faced was. "Honestly, Randy Johnson when he was good. It's hopeless. It's like a hopeless feeling. The first time you face him you feel like he's going to hit you right in the back of the neck when he throws it, like every pitch is going to hit you in the back of the neck. And it ends up down and away for a strike and you just have to trust it's going to be a strike, and heaven forbid he doesn't lose one out there and heaven forbid, there goes your cheek."[77]
Accomplishments
[edit]- Pitched his first no-hitter for Seattle (their first) on June 2, 1990, against Detroit
- 10-time All-Star (1990, 1993–1995, 1997, 1999–2002, 2004)[7]
- Led the league in strikeouts nine times (1992–1995, 1999–2002, 2004)[7]
- Led the league in ERA four times (1995, 1999, 2001, 2002)[7]
- Triple crown of pitching (2002)[7]
- 5-time Cy Young Award winner (1995, 1999–2002)[7]
- 4-time Warren Spahn Award winner (1999–2002)
- Holds the record for most strikeouts in a relief appearance (16 against San Diego on July 18, 2001)
- Holds the record for highest single-season and career strikeout per 9 innings ratio: 13.41 and 10.61[7]
- Holds the record for most games with 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more strikeouts[78][79][80][81][82]
- World Series co-MVP (Curt Schilling, 2001)
- Co-winner of the Babe Ruth Award (Curt Schilling, 2001)
- Pitched a perfect game for Arizona against Atlanta (May 18, 2004) – oldest pitcher to do so in major-league history.
- Sports Illustrated MLB All-Decade Team (2009)
- Has defeated every major-league team at least once
- Most strikeouts in a game by a left-handed pitcher, struck out 20 batters on May 8, 2001, against Cincinnati Reds (note: Johnson collected his 20th strikeout in the ninth inning of the game, but the game entered extra innings. Although he did not pitch in the 10th inning, by rule Johnson is not eligible to share the single-game strikeout record for a nine inning game.)
- Set American League record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game by a left-handed pitcher with 19 against the Oakland Athletics and later the Chicago White Sox in 1997
- 4,875 strikeouts, most all-time for left-handed pitcher; 2nd most ever (Nolan Ryan, 5,714)
- 212 games with 10+ strikeouts, most all-time for a left-handed pitcher; 2nd most ever (Nolan Ryan, 215)[83]
- Pitched two immaculate innings (September 2, 1998, against the Atlanta Braves and August 23, 2001, against the Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Johnson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on 97.3% of the vote on January 6, 2015, third-highest percentage of all time for pitchers; formally inducted on July 26, 2015.
- On July 27, 2024, Johnson was inducted into the Arizona Diamondbacks Hall of Fame along with teammate Luis Gonzalez.
Personal life
[edit]Johnson has four children with his wife Lisa: Sammy (born 1994), Tanner (born 1996), Willow (born 1998), and Alexandria (born 1999). He also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Laurel Roszell named Heather Renee Roszell (born 1989).[84] He is a resident of Paradise Valley, Arizona.[85][86]
"Big Unit" nickname
[edit]During batting practice in 1988, the 6-foot-10-inch (2.08 m) Johnson, then with the Montreal Expos, collided head-first with outfielder Tim Raines, prompting his teammate to exclaim, "Damn! You're a big unit!"[87] The nickname stuck.
Throughout much of his career, Johnson held the title of tallest player in MLB history. Former pitchers Eric Hillman, Andrew Sisco, Andrew Brackman, and Chris Young have also been measured at 6'10". After his retirement, the title of tallest player was held by Johnson's former Diamondback teammate Jon Rauch, a relief pitcher who is 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m).[88]
Acting career
[edit]Johnson guest-starred in The Simpsons episode "Bart Has Two Mommies", which aired on March 19, 2006. Johnson appeared in the movie Little Big League, playing himself.[89]
Johnson appeared in a Just for Men commercial where he had a grey beard and his neighbors told him "Your beard is weird." Johnson also appeared in a Right Guard commercial where he fired dodgeballs at Kyle Brandt, who represented odor. Johnson also appeared in several commercials for Nike in 1998. The spots comedically portrayed him taking batting practice (swinging ineptly at balls from a pitching machine) in his hope that he would break Roger Maris's then-single-season record for home runs. He made a cameo appearance in a commercial for MLB 2K9 with teammate Tim Lincecum. Johnson made an appearance in a GEICO insurance commercial.[90] In 2012, he appeared in a TV ad for Pepsi Max.[91] In 2016, Johnson appeared in a TV ad for the Mini Clubman.[92]
In 2022, Johnson appeared with his former teammates Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez as well as Hall of Famer David Ortiz in a commercial for the streaming service DirecTV Stream parodying Ghostbusters, as the group (titled Goatbusters) battles a giant Mr. Redlegs destroying a baseball stadium.[93]
Johnson has been featured as a playable character in various Backyard Baseball games.
Johnson appeared in the episode "Control" on Franklin & Bash as himself.[94]
See also
[edit]- Major League Baseball titles leaders
- Major League Baseball Triple Crown
- List of Seattle Mariners team records
- List of Arizona Diamondbacks team records
- List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual shutout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls allowed leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career games started leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career hit batsmen leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career innings pitched leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career WHIP leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders
- List of Major League Baseball individual streaks
- List of Major League Baseball no-hitters
- List of Major League Baseball perfect games
- List of Major League Baseball single-game strikeout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning
- List of World Series starting pitchers
References
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- ^ "Randy Johnson: Before He Was the "Big Unit"". January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Former Jaxpo Randy Johnson Elected to Southern League Hall of Fame".
- ^ "Ex-Tribe Star Johnson Elected to HOF".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Randy Johnson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
- ^ "Randy Johnson Biography". JockBio. September 10, 1963. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ Kepner, Tyler (January 7, 2010). "AN APPRECIATION; Worth Watching, From Start to Finish". The New York Times. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- ^ "JockBio: Randy Johnson Biography". www.jockbio.com. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ "Randy Johnson Almost Traded to the Blue Jays".
- ^ "AN ALL-STAR STRIKEOUT THAT WAS GOOD FOR SOME LAUGHS JOHN KRUK MAY HAVE LOOKED A BIT OVERMATCHED AGAINST \ RANDY JOHNSON. BUT IT DIDN'T COST HIM HIS SENSE OF HUMOR". Philadelphia Inquirer. July 18, 1993. p. E07. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
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- ^ "Mariners' Johnson Gets 19 Strikeouts". Los Angeles Times. August 9, 1997. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ Crasnick, Jerry (July 9, 1997). "Walker gets Kruk off hook Wilting under Johnson's high heat". Denver Post. p. D–01. Retrieved December 1, 2011. (subscription required)
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- ^ "Today in All-Star Game history: Larry Walker flips helmet, bats right-handed". MLB.com. July 8, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
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- ^ "The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Official info: Umpires: Feature". Mlb.mlb.com. June 19, 2012. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ "In the years since, fans have been as captivated by that fateful Spring Training start against the Giants as they have by Johnson's awesome pitching: 'Randy Johnson bird' even gets more Google results than 'Randy Johnson baseball.'" Let's remember the time Randy Johnson accidentally drilled a bird with a fastball. Mlb.com, March 24, 2017.
- ^ Bird Experts Reflect on Randy Johnson Hitting a Bird With a Pitch. Newsweek, March 24, 2016.
- ^ "Johnson's performance listed -- but not at the top". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 9, 2001. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
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- ^ Kepner, Tyler (January 5, 2007). "Yankees Send Johnson Back to Arizona". The New York Times. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
- ^ Associated, The (March 9, 2008). "Hideki Matsui returns to Yankees' lineup; Randy Johnson ready for spring debut". Usatoday.Com. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ "Randy "Big Unit" Johnson vs. Roger Clemens". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ "D-backs fall on Johnson's historic night | MLB.com: News". Arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com. June 19, 2012. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ a b "A Brief History of the Eephus pitch". The New York Times. July 30, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ "Randy Johnson Throws an Eephus Pitch". YouTube. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ Bagnato, Andrew (September 28, 2008). "Johnson Throws 2-hitter, Diamondbacks Edge Rockies". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- ^ "Giants sign free-agent pitcher Randy Johnson to one-year deal". MLB.com. December 26, 2008. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
- ^ Haft, Chris (December 26, 2008). "Giants sign Big Unit to one-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
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- ^ "Diamondbacks to retire Randy Johnson's No. 51". HardballTalk. January 7, 2015.
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- ^ Hahn, Jason (October 13, 2022). "MLB Legend Randy Johnson Is Now Living a Second Career as NFL and Wildlife Photographer". People. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
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- ^ Lewin, Josh (May 4, 2005). "El Meteoro? Not quite the same ring as Twinkletoes". Sporting News. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2007.
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- ^ "Adam Dunn on The Dan Patrick Show 6.27.12". youtube.com. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
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- ^ "Randy Johnson House Pictures". CelebrityHousePictures.com. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
- ^ Reagor, Catherine (January 31, 2019). "Baseball legend Randy Johnson's Paradise Valley mansion sells for $7.3M in auction". The Arizona Republic.
- ^ Santasiere, Alfred; Swindal, Haley; Washington, Quentin (May 27, 2005). "Big beginnings for the Big Unit". MLB Advanced Media, L.P. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved June 18, 2007.
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- ^ "Pepsi TV Commercial For Pepsi Max Field Of Dreams". iSpot.tv. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ "MINI Clubman Super Bowl 2016 TV Commercial, 'Defy Labels' Feat. Serena Williams". iSpot.tv. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ "DIRECTV STREAM TV Spot, 'Get Your TV Together: GOATbusters' Ft. Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson". iSpot.tv. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
- ^ Farris, Danny. "Randy Johnson on Franklin & Bash". MLB.com.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet, or Baseball Almanac
- Randy Johnson at the Baseball Hall of Fame
- Randy Johnson at the SABR Baseball Biography Project
- Randy Johnson at IMDb
- 1963 births
- Living people
- American people of Swedish descent
- American people of German descent
- American sportspeople of Canadian descent
- American expatriate baseball players in Canada
- American League All-Stars
- American League ERA champions
- American League strikeout champions
- Anchorage Glacier Pilots players
- Arizona Diamondbacks players
- Baseball players from Contra Costa County, California
- Christians from California
- Cy Young Award winners
- El Paso Diablos players
- Everett AquaSox players
- Houston Astros players
- Indianapolis Indians players
- Jacksonville Expos players
- Jamestown Expos players
- Lancaster JetHawks players
- Major League Baseball pitchers
- Major League Baseball pitchers who have pitched a perfect game
- Major League Baseball players with retired numbers
- Montreal Expos players
- National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees
- National League All-Stars
- National League ERA champions
- National League Pitching Triple Crown winners
- National League strikeout champions
- National League wins champions
- New York Yankees players
- Photographers from California
- San Francisco Giants players
- Seattle Mariners players
- Sportspeople from Walnut Creek, California
- Tucson Sidewinders players
- USC Trojans baseball players
- Visalia Oaks players
- West Palm Beach Expos players
- World Series Most Valuable Player Award winners