History of Randy Johnson in Timeline

Randy Johnson, nicknamed "the Big Unit," is a retired American professional baseball pitcher. He played for 22 seasons (1988-2009) in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson played for six teams total and was known for his intimidating height and powerful fastball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Acquisition of the nickname "Big Unit"

In 1988, during batting practice with the Montreal Expos, Randy Johnson collided with Tim Raines, leading to the nickname "Big Unit".

1989: Birth of daughter, Heather Renee Roszell

In 1989, Randy Johnson's daughter from a previous relationship, Heather Renee Roszell, was born.

1994: Birth of son, Sammy

In 1994, Randy Johnson's son, Sammy, was born.

1996: Birth of son, Tanner

In 1996, Randy Johnson's son, Tanner, was born.

1998: Appearance in Nike commercials

In 1998, Randy Johnson appeared in several commercials for Nike, humorously portraying his attempts at batting practice.

1998: Birth of daughter, Willow

In 1998, Randy Johnson's daughter, Willow, was born.

1999: Birth of daughter, Alexandria

In 1999, Randy Johnson's daughter, Alexandria, was born.

March 24, 2001: Accidental Death of a Dove

On March 24, 2001, during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Tucson Electric Park, Randy Johnson's fastball struck and killed a dove during the 7th inning. The event was ruled a 'no pitch,' and the moment became iconic in baseball history.

May 8, 2001: 20 Strikeouts in a Game

On May 8, 2001, Randy Johnson struck out 20 batters in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings, however, the game went into extra innings, making him ineligible to share the nine-inning game strikeout record.

August 23, 2001: Immaculate Inning

On August 23, 2001, Randy Johnson struck out three batters on nine pitches in the 6th inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the 30th pitcher in major league history to pitch an immaculate inning.

2001: World Series Appearance and Victory

In 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling led the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series appearance and victory against the New York Yankees. They shared the World Series Most Valuable Player Award, the Babe Ruth Award, and were named Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsmen of the Year". Johnson won his third consecutive Warren Spahn Award and he is the last pitcher to win 3 games in a single World Series.

2002: Pitching Triple Crown and Cy Young Award

In 2002, Randy Johnson won the pitching Triple Crown, leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He was also voted his fourth consecutive Cy Young and Warren Spahn Awards. It was Johnson's fourth consecutive 300-strikeout season with the Diamondbacks, and he became the first pitcher in baseball history to post a 24–5 record.

September 19, 2003: First and Only Career Home Run

On September 19, 2003, Randy Johnson hit the only home run of his career against the Milwaukee Brewers.

June 29, 2004: 4,000th Career Strikeout

On June 29, 2004, Randy Johnson struck out Jeff Cirillo of the San Diego Padres to become only the fourth MLB player to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career.

2004: Led Major Leagues in Strikeouts

In 2004, Randy Johnson finished the season with a 16–14 record, a 2.60 ERA, and led the major leagues in strikeouts with 290. He finished second to Roger Clemens for the Cy Young Award. In games where Arizona scored three or more runs, Johnson was 13–2.

January 2005: Trade to the New York Yankees

In January 2005, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Randy Johnson to the New York Yankees for Javier Vázquez, Brad Halsey, Dioner Navarro, and cash.

April 3, 2005: Opening Day Pitcher for the Yankees

On April 3, 2005, Randy Johnson pitched Opening Day for the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox.

2005: Division Series Appearance

In 2005, Randy Johnson pitched in Game 3 and Game 5 of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, allowing 5 runs in 3 innings in Game 3 and making a relief appearance in Game 5, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings.

2005: Ranked in Baseball's 100 Greatest Players

In 2005, The Sporting News published an update to their 1999 book, Baseball's 100 Greatest Players. Randy Johnson was ranked at Number 60.

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March 19, 2006: Guest appearance on The Simpsons

On March 19, 2006, Randy Johnson guest-starred in The Simpsons episode "Bart Has Two Mommies".

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2006: Season Performance and Injury Revelation

In 2006, Randy Johnson finished the season with a 17–11 record and a 5.00 ERA. It was revealed at the end of the season that he had a herniated disc in his back. After receiving epidural anesthesia, he started in game 3 of the ALDS, giving up 5 runs in 52⁄3 innings.

January 2007: Trade Back to the Diamondbacks

In January 2007, the Yankees traded Randy Johnson back to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Luis Vizcaíno, Alberto González, Steven Jackson, and Ross Ohlendorf. This decision was based on Randy Johnson's desire to be closer to his family in Phoenix after his brother's death.

April 24, 2007: Return from Injury

On April 24, 2007, Randy Johnson returned from rehabilitating his injured back, allowing six runs in 5 innings and taking the loss. By his tenth start, he was among the NL's top ten strikeout pitchers. On July 3, his surgically repaired disc was reinjured, leading to season-ending surgery.

April 14, 2008: Season Debut After Back Surgery

On April 14, 2008, Randy Johnson made his season debut against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park, eight months following his back surgery.

June 3, 2008: Surpassed Roger Clemens in Career Strikeouts

On June 3, 2008, Randy Johnson struck out Mike Cameron of the Milwaukee Brewers for career strikeout number 4,673, surpassing Roger Clemens for the number two spot on the all-time strikeout leaders list.

July 6, 2008: 4,700th Career Strikeout

On July 6, 2008, Randy Johnson got his 4,700th career strikeout.

July 27, 2008: Four Hits Against Johnson by Fred Lewis

On July 27, 2008, Fred Lewis became the first left-handed batter to get four hits against Randy Johnson in a game. A fog horn went off as Johnson was releasing a pitch, causing him to throw an eephus pitch which fell for a strike.

December 26, 2008: Signed with San Francisco Giants

On December 26, 2008, Randy Johnson signed a one-year deal with his hometown San Francisco Giants for a reported $8 million, with possible performance and award bonuses.

July 28, 2009: Placed on Disabled List

On July 28, 2009, Randy Johnson was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.

September 16, 2009: Activated by Giants

On September 16, 2009, Randy Johnson was activated by the Giants and assigned to the Giants bullpen.

September 19, 2009: First Relief Appearance in 4 Years

On September 19, 2009, Randy Johnson made his first relief appearance in 4 years, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was the second oldest player in Major League Baseball at the time, only trailing Jamie Moyer.

January 5, 2010: Retirement Announcement

On January 5, 2010, Randy Johnson announced his retirement from professional baseball.

April 12, 2010: Ceremonial First Pitch at Mariners Home Opener

On April 12, 2010, the Mariners invited Randy Johnson to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners home opener at Safeco Field.

January 17, 2012: Induction into Mariners Hall of Fame

On January 17, 2012, Randy Johnson was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame.

June 27, 2012: Adam Dunn comments on facing Randy Johnson

On June 27, 2012, Adam Dunn described the experience of facing Randy Johnson in his prime on The Dan Patrick Show, highlighting the intimidating nature of Johnson's pitches and the difficulty in hitting against him.

2012: Appearance in Pepsi Max TV ad

In 2012, Randy Johnson appeared in a TV ad for Pepsi Max.

January 2015: Special Assistant to Team President

In January 2015, Randy Johnson was named a Special Assistant to the team president of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Derrick Hall.

August 8, 2015: Diamondbacks Retired Number and Presentation of Drum Set

On August 8, 2015, the Diamondbacks retired Randy Johnson's number. 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.

2016: Appearance in Mini Clubman TV ad

In 2016, Randy Johnson appeared in a TV ad for the Mini Clubman.

2019: Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2019, Randy Johnson was the Hall of Fame recipient of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in recognition of his charitable efforts with the United Service Organizations and initiatives to fight homelessness.

2020: Ranked in The Athletic's "Baseball 100" List

In 2020, The Athletic ranked Randy Johnson at number 28 on its "Baseball 100" list, compiled by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.

2022: Appearance in DirecTV Stream commercial

In 2022, Randy Johnson appeared in a commercial for the streaming service DirecTV Stream parodying Ghostbusters, alongside former teammates and Hall of Famers, battling a giant Mr. Redlegs.

2022: Named on "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports"

In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, The Sporting News named Randy Johnson on their "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Nash, and Diana Taurasi.