Last Updated: May 1st, 2024 by Michael Schatz
Randy Johnson struck fear into every hitter who faced him. The Big Unit was the definition of a “power pitcher”, using his imposing frame and big left arm to dominate batters his entire career.
Let’s take a look at the greatness of a player who became a legend by simply doing what he did best: overpowering anyone who dared to stand in the batter’s box.
The “Big Unit” Rises
Randy Johnson made his MLB debut on September 15, 1988, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pitching for the Montreal Expos, he would pick up the win, going 5 innings while only giving up two runs. The September call-up would start 4 games in 1988, finishing 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA and striking out 25 in 26 innings. He also notched his first career complete game in his second start, a 9-1 win over the Cubs, in which he struck out 11.
It would be the first of his 100 career complete games.
Mastery on the Mound: The No-Hitter of 1990
Randy Johnson’s no-hitter on June 2, 1990, against the Detroit Tigers stands as a defining moment in his career. He struck out 8 and walked 6, throwing 138 pitches for the first no-hitter in Seattle Mariners history.
He followed it up with a 5-hit complete game win over the White Sox five days later, striking out 10 and only walking one.
His First Cy Young Award
Randy Johnson’s 1995 season with the Seattle Mariners was when he truly became a household name, securing his first Cy Young Award. He went 18-2 with a 2.48 ERA and a league-leading 294 strikeouts. This year marked the start of his dominance, as he not only helped the Mariners reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history but also established himself as the undisputed strikeout king, a title he would defend fiercely in the years to come.
Johnson would go on to add four more Cy Young Awards to his trophy case.
A Dominant 2001 Season
Randy Johnson’s 2001 season was the stuff of legends. He finished the season 21-6 with a 2.49 ERA and 372 strikeouts, the latter two having led the league. That was good enough to win him his third consecutive Cy Young Award.
He would then take that dominance into October, leading the Diamondbacks to their first-ever World Series championship. He famously won Game 6 of that series, then, in a dramatic twist, came out of the bullpen in Game 7, on just one day of rest, to help clinch the series. He was named World Series Co-MVP alongside Curt Schilling.
The Unthinkable: 20 Strikeouts In A Single Game
On May 8, 2001, Randy Johnson dominated the Cincinnati Reds to the tune of 20 strikeouts. He would join Roger Clemons, who did it twice, and Kerry Wood as the only pitchers to ever strike out 20 batters in a game.
Remarkably, and despite striking out 20, walking none and only giving up 1 run, Johnson received a no-decision after the game went into the extra innings. The Diamondbacks would go on to win 4-3.
The Triple Crown Season: Johnson’s Pitching Mastery in 2002
Following his historic performance in the 2001 World Series, Randy Johnson didn’t take his foot off the gas. In 2002, he clinched the Pitching Triple Crown, leading the National League in wins (24), strikeouts (334), and ERA (2.32).
Those numbers were good enough to give him his fourth straight Cy Young. He’s the only pitcher ever to do that.
Perfect At 40
On May 18, 2004, Randy Johnson etched his name in the MLB record books by pitching a perfect game at the age of 40, becoming the oldest player to accomplish this feat. He struck out 13 Atlanta Braves and threw 117 pitches, 87 of which were strikes.
300 Wins Club: Johnson’s Milestone Victory in 2009
On June 4, 2009, Randy Johnson carved out another spot for himself in baseball history when he joined the 300 Wins Club. Pitching for the San Francisco Giants at the time, he went 6 innings against the Washington Nationals, striking out 2 and only giving up an unearned run.
He became the 24th pitcher in MLB history to reach this milestone. He would finish his career with 303 wins.
Striking Out The Competition: 4,875 Career Strikeouts
Randy Johnson made batters sweat, racking up an astonishing 4,875 strikeouts over his career. This remarkable feat places him second on the all-time strikeouts list behind only Nolan Ryan. But don’t feel bad for him. His 4,875 strikeouts are the most ever by a left-handed pitcher.
Hall of Fame Induction: The Capstone of Johnson’s Career
The Hall of Fame induction in 2015 wasn’t just a formality; it was a tribute to Randy Johnson’s electrifying career. Garnering 97.3% of the vote, Johnson’s entry was a testament to his dominance on the field, clearly marking him as one of the game’s elite.
A Lasting Legacy: Number 51 Retired by the Diamondbacks
In a tribute fitting for one of the most dominant pitchers baseball has ever seen, the Arizona Diamondbacks retired Randy Johnson’s number 51 on August 8, 2015. This honor solidified his place in Diamondbacks history, a team he led to its first and only World Series title. It serves as a reminder of the impact he had on the team and its fans, marking him as a true legend in Arizona and in the hearts of baseball lovers everywhere.