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Randall David Johnson (born September 10, 1963), nicknamed "The Big Unit" is a left-handed American starting pitcher who currently plays for Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Randy Johnson is the name of several MLB players: Randy Johnson (b. ... In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of a game. ... is the 253rd day of the year (254th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 258th day of the year (259th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... The Montreal Expos (French: Les Expos de Montréal) were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from 1969 until 2004. ... In Major League Baseball, a win (denoted W) is generally credited to the pitcher for the winning team who was in the game when they last took the lead. ... In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. ... Cincinnati Reds outfielder Adam Dunn strikes out swinging to Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz (not pictured). ... The Montreal Expos (French: Les Expos de Montréal) were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from 1969 until 2004. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-Backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-Backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ... is the 253rd day of the year (254th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher, often abbreviated as starter, is the pitcher who pitches the first pitch to the first batter of a game. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-Backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ...

During his long career, Johnson has been known for having one of the most dominant fastballs in the game, regularly approaching, and occasionally even exceeding, 100 miles per hour during his prime. However, his signature pitch is a hard, biting slider. He has won the Cy Young Award five times, second only to Roger Clemens' seven. For the American band of the same name, see Fastball (band). ... A common grip of a slider a pitcher uses In baseball, a slider is a pitch halfway between a curveball and a fastball. ... In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ... William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed The Rocket is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and is one of the preeminent Major League baseball pitchers of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. ...

Through the 2007 season, of all active pitchers lifetime Johnson is first in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (10.78 -- which is also first for all pitchers in history) and hit batsmen (182 -- which is also fourth for all pitchers in history), second in strikeouts (4,616 -- which is third all-time) and hits allowed per nine innings pitched (7.14), second in shutouts (37), fourth in wins (284), sixth in ERA (3.22) and wild pitches (101), and seventh in won-lost percentage (.654). His 4,616 career strikeouts is also first all-time among left handed pitchers.

Nickname

Perhaps the most famous fact about Randy Johnson is his nickname, "The Big Unit". During batting practice in 1988, the 6'10" Johnson, then with the Montreal Expos, collided head-first with outfielder Tim Raines, prompting his teammate to exclaim, "You're a big unit!".^[1] The nickname has stuck ever since. The Montreal Expos (French: Les Expos de Montréal) were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from 1969 until 2004. ... Timothy Raines (born September 16, 1959 in Sanford, Florida), nicknamed Rock, is a former American left fielder in Major League Baseball known for his speed and ability to get on base. ...

Early life

Johnson was born in Walnut Creek, California, to Carol Hannah and Rollen Charles (“Bud”) Johnson.^[2] By the time he entered Livermore High School, he was a star in baseball and basketball. In 1982, as a senior, he fanned 121 batters in 66 innings of work. He threw a perfect game in his last high school start. Walnut Creek is a regional business center and suburb several miles east of Oakland in Contra Costa County, California, USA, in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... Livermore High School is a public high school located in the town of Livermore, California, USA, and is part of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD). ... A view of the playing field at Busch Memorial Stadium, St. ... Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by throwing a ball through a high hoop (the basket) under organized rules. ... Pitcher David Cone (left) of the New York Yankees reacting to the completion of his perfect game with catcher Joe Girardi on July 18, 1999. ...

He continued to star at the University of Southern California, where he often exhibited control problems. The Trojan Shrine, better known as Tommy Trojan located in the center of University of Southern California campus. ...

Career

Since entering the majors, he has been among the most feared pitchers in the game, attributing to his blazing fastball, intimidating appearance (height, wild mullet hairstyle and moustache), and his angry, energetic demeanor on the mound. Part of his early intimidation factor came from his dramatic lack of control; after being traded away to the Seattle Mariners by the Montreal Expos for Mark Langston, Johnson led the AL in walks for three consecutive seasons (1990-92), and in hit batsmen in 1992 and 1993. In July 1991, facing the Brewers, the erratic Johnson allowed four runs on 1 hit, thanks to 10 walks in 4 innings. A month later, a 9th-inning single cost him a no-hitter against Oakland. Johnson suffered another 10-walk, 4-inning start in 1992. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Edgar Allan Poe had a simple moustache. ... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... The Montreal Expos (French: Les Expos de Montréal) were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada from 1969 until 2004. ... Mark Edward Langston (born August 20, 1960 in San Diego, California) is an American left-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Seattle Mariners (1984-89), Montreal Expos (1989), California and Anaheim Angels (1990-97), San Diego Padres (1998) and Cleveland Indians (1999). ...

But his untapped talent was volcanic; in 1990, Johnson became the first lefthander to strike out Wade Boggs three times in one game, and a no-hitter against Detroit 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. He recommended a slight change in his delivery; before the meeting, Johnson would land on the heel of his foot after delivering a pitch, and as such, he usually landed offline from home plate. Ryan suggested that he land on the ball of his foot, and almost immediately, he began finding the plate more consistently.^[3] Late in 1992, and after the Ryan meeting, Johnson struck out 18 against Texas, tying the AL record. In May 1993, Johnson again lost a no-hitter to a 9th-inning single; again, the opponent was the Oakland A's. Wade Anthony Boggs (born June 15, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox, whose hitting in the 1980s and 1990s dominated the American League in much the same way as his National League contemporary Tony Gwynn. ... Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. ...

Johnson broke out in 1993 with a 19-8 record, 3.24 ERA and his first of six 300-plus strikeout seasons (308). He also recorded his 1,000th career strikeout against Minnesota's Chuck Knoblauch; amusingly, Johnson was one foot taller than the Twins' second baseman. Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... Edward Charles Knoblauch (born July 7, 1968 in Houston, Texas) is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Minnesota Twins (1991-97), New York Yankees (1998-2001) and Kansas City Royals (2002). ...

After pitching well in the strike-shortened 1994, 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, who also finished 2nd in the 1993 and 1997 AL voting, and third in 1994, remains the only Seattle Mariners pitcher to win the award. Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar). ... American League The American League (or formally the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs) is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States of America and Canada. ... In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... John Thomas Allen (September 30, 1905 - March 29, 1959) was an American pitcher in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, St. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 5, 14, 18, 19, 21, 42, 455 Name Cleveland Indians (1915–present) Cleveland Naps (1905-1914) Cleveland Bronchos (1902-1904) Cleveland Blues (1901) Other nicknames The Tribe Ballpark Jacobs Field (1994–present) Cleveland Stadium...

Johnson capped the Mariners' late season comeback by pitching a 3-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. Johnson beat the Yankees in Game 3 with 10 strikeouts in 7 innings. When the series went the distance, Johnson made a dramatic relief appearance in Game 5 on one day's rest. Entering a 4-4 game in the ninth inning, Johnson pitched the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings. He allowed 1 run, struck out 6, and held on for the series-ending win in Seattle's dramatic comeback. Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, Angelitos (Spanish), Serafines (Spanish...

However, this gutsy week of October 1995 pitching would eventually be forgotten, as Johnson posted an 0-6 playoff record in his next four playoff series, each of which his teams lost. The six consecutive postseason losses tied a major league record, as Johnson began to develop a reputation as a poor "big game pitcher."

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. Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar). ...

In June 1997, Oakland A's slugger Mark McGwire's swing connected perfectly with a Randy Johnson fastball; the result was a rocketing home run into the upper deck of the Kingdome, later estimated at 538 feet. The image of the home run, complete with Johnson swiveling and mouthing the word "Wow," was replayed repeatedly on sports highlight shows. Johnson had 19 strikeouts in the game but lost, 4-1. Though the Mariners claimed the home run was 538 feet, independent research has concluded that the farthest the ball could have traveled was 474 feet[1]- 64 feet shorter than the Mariners' estimate. Oakland Athletics American League AAA Sacramento River Cats AA Midland RockHounds A Stockton Ports Kane County Cougars Vancouver Canadians R Phoenix Athletics The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. ... Mark David McGwire (born October 1, 1963 in Pomona, California) is a former professional baseball player who played the majority of his major league career with the Oakland Athletics before finishing his final years with the St. ...

1998 was a tale of two seasons for Johnson. He was due to become a free agent at the end of the season but the Mariners' strapped budget prevented them from making any serious offers for a contract extension during the season. Concerns over whether and when he might be traded likely played a role in Johnson's 9-10 record with the Mariners during the early part of that season. His 4.33 ERA during that stretch was his highest in a decade. Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ...

Johnson's season turned around on July 31, 1998 when a deadline trade sent him to the Houston Astros for Freddy García, Carlos Guillén, and a player to be named later (eventually John Halama). Houston was in the thick of a pennant race and Johnson's strong arm anchored their rotation. In 11 starts, he went 10-1 with a sparkling 1.28 ERA, leading the Astros to the playoffs. Despite only pitching for a third of a season in the National League, Johnson finished 7th in National League Cy Young Award voting. is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 24, 25, 32, 33, 34, 40, 42, 49 Name Houston Astros (1965–present) Houston Colt . ... Freddy Antonio García also known as Freddy Ga, (born June 10, 1976 in Caracas, Venezuela) is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. ... Carlos Alfonso Guillén [ghee-YEN] (born September 30, 1975) is a Major League Baseball shortstop and switch-hitter who plays for the Detroit Tigers. ... John Thadeuz Halama (born February 22, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York) is a Major League Baseball pitcher who plays in the Washington Nationals baseball organization. ...

Johnson signed one of the largest contracts to that date in the off-season, inking a $53-million, four-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks; a second-year and relatively inexperienced franchise. It is arguably one of the best free agent signings in baseball history, as Johnson won the NL Cy Young Award in each of the four seasons covered by the contract. Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-Backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ... In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ...

The deal paid immediate dividends for Arizona, as Johnson led the team to the playoffs that year on the strength of a 17-9 record and 2.48 ERA, enough to earn him his second Cy Young Award. Johnson's numbers could have been even more impressive; at one point in the season, Arizona failed to score a run in four consecutive Johnson starts, including a pair of 1-0 losses. Johnson's pitching line in the four starts: 32 innings, 19 hits, 54 strikeouts, a 1.40 ERA and an 0-4 won-lost record.

The following season, Arizona acquired Curt Schilling from the Philadelphia Phillies, giving Arizona the most feared power pitching duo in the sport. Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska) is an American Major League Baseball player, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. ... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 14, 20, 32, 36, 42 Name Philadelphia Phillies (1884–present) Philadelphia Quakers (1883-1889) (Also referred to as Blue Jays 1943-1945 despite formal name remaining Phillies) Other nicknames The Phils, The Phightin Phils...

Johnson and Schilling carried the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first franchise World Series appearance and victory in 2001 against the powerful New York Yankees, in only their fourth year of existence. The two pitchers shared the World Series MVP Award and were named Sports Illustrated magazine's 2001 "Sportsmen of the Year". For other events named World Series, see World Series (disambiguation). ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his teams success in the World Series. ... The first issue of Sports Illustrated, August 16, 1954, showing Milwaukee Braves star Eddie Mathews at bat in Milwaukee County Stadium. ... Since its inception in 1954, Sports Illustrated magazine has annually presented the Sportsman of the Year award to the athlete or team whose performance that year most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. ...

Johnson's performance was particularly dominating, pitching 7 innings for the victory in Game 6 and then coming on in relief-- on zero days' rest-- to pick up the win in Game 7. Johnson had already pitched a shutout in Game 2, thus tying the record with three wins in one World Series, and erasing many of the doubts regarding his postseason ineffectiveness.

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 7 innings, technically setting the record for the most strikeouts in a relief stint. Qualcomm Stadium (a. ...

In 2002, Johnson won his fourth consecutive Cy Young Award. Oddly, he also became the only pitcher in baseball history to post a 24-5 record.^[4] In baseball, the Cy Young Award is an honor given annually to the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. ...

Johnson spent the majority of the 2003 season on the disabled list and wasn't effective in the few injury-hampered starts he did make. One thing he did accomplish that year was hit his first career home run in a September 19, 2003 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. It is the only home run to date for Johnson, a career .128 hitter. The following are the events of the year 2003 that happened world-wide throughout the sport of baseball. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) Central Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 4, 19, 34, 42, 44 Name Milwaukee Brewers (1970–present) Seattle Pilots (1969) Other nicknames True Blue Brew Crew, The Brew Crew, The Crew, Beermakers Ballpark Miller Park (2001–present) County Stadium (1970–2000) Sick...

On May 18, 2004, Johnson became only the 17th player to throw a perfect game, and at 40 years of age, the oldest. Johnson had 13 strikeouts on his way to a 2-0 defeat of 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. is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Pitcher David Cone (left) of the New York Yankees reacting to the completion of his perfect game with catcher Joe Girardi on July 18, 1999. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... For the Disney animator, see Cy Young (animator). ... James Paul David Jim Bunning (born October 23, 1931 in Southgate, Kentucky) is an American politician who was a Hall of Fame pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1955 to 1971. ... Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

On June 29, 2004, Johnson struck out Jeff Cirillo of the San Diego Padres to become only the 4th person to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career. is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jeffrey Howard Cirillo (born September 23, 1969 in Pasadena, California) is a third baseman in Major League Baseball who currently plays for the Milwaukee Brewers. ... Major league affiliations National League (1969–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 6, 19, 31, 35, 42 Name San Diego Padres (1969–present) Other nicknames Pads, Friars Ballpark PETCO Park (2004–present) Qualcomm Stadium (1969-2003) a. ...

He finished the 2004 season with a 16-14 record, but had a far better season than his won-lost total indicated; the D-Backs scored two or fewer runs in 17 of his 35 starts that season. 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 second to Roger Clemens in that year's Cy Young Award balloting. Johnson was unhappy with the D-Backs offense, and demanded a trade. Steven Norman Carlton (born December 22, 1944 in Miami, Florida) is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, from 1965 to 1988, who retired as one of the most successful pitchers to ever play the game. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed The Rocket is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and is one of the preeminent Major League baseball pitchers of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. ...

On January 6, 2005, Johnson was traded to the New York Yankees. 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 to hitters; 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, second in the AL with 211 strikeouts. is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 4, 8, 9, 27, 42 Name Boston Red Sox (1908–present) Boston Americans (1901-1907) Other nicknames The BoSox, The Olde Towne Team, The Sox Ballpark Fenway Park (1912–present) Huntington Avenue Baseball Grounds...

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. It was Johnson's first relief appearance since Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. After an inconclusive year in pinstripes, New York fans hoped that Johnson would return to his dominant style in his second Yankee season. In baseball, the Division Series is the official name for the first round of the Major League Baseball playoffs. ... Major league affiliations American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 11, 26, 29, 30, 42, 50 Name Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present) Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) California Angels (1965-1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965) Other nicknames The Halos, Angelitos (Spanish), Serafines (Spanish... Michael Cole (Mike) Mussina (born December 8, 1968 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania), nicknamed Moose, is a Major League starting pitcher, currently with the New York Yankees. ... Dates October 27, 2001–November 4, 2001 MVP Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling (Arizona) Television network FOX Announcers Joe Buck and Tim McCarver Umpires Steve Rippley, Dana DeMuth, Dale Scott, Mark Hirschbeck, Jim Joyce, Ed Rapuano The 2001 World Series (the November Series) took place between the Arizona Diamondbacks and...

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 had been 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 had 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 2/3 innings. The epidural space is a part of the human spine which is very close to the spinal cord, lying just outside the dura mater. ...

On January 5, 2007, the Yankees traded Johnson back to the Diamondbacks - almost two years to the day that they traded him away (01/11/05) - this time for Luis Vizcaino and a trio of minor leaguers (pitchers Steven Jackson and Ross Ohlendorf, and shortstop Alberto Gonzalez.) He missed most of April with rehab on his back, and made his second Diamondbacks debut on April 24, 2007, against David Wells and the San Diego Padres. Johnson pitched 5.0 innings, giving up 6 hits, 4 walks, 6 earned runs, earning the loss but striking out 7. Luis Vizcaíno Arias (born August 6, 1974 in Bani, Dominican Republic) is a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox. ... Ross Ohlendorf, born August 8, 1982, in Austin, Texas, is an American right-handed 6 4 baseball player who is a non-roster invitee to the New York Yankees 2007 spring training camp. ... Alberto Ramon Gonzalez (born April 18, 1983 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela) is an infielder for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. ...

Ever since that game, however, Randy was throwing his best season since 2004, and despite starting so late in the 2007 season, he managed to find himself in the top 10 in strikeouts in just 10 starts, but on July 3, his surgically repaired disc from the previous season was reinjured, and it was only a couple weeks later that he decided to have season ending surgery on the same disc, this time removing it completely. It is said that it went "a little better than expected." He is expected to be ready for the 2008 season without injury.

Pitches

In the prime of his career, Johnson combined a blazing 96-101 mph fastball and a slider that breaks down and away from lefties and down and in to righties. In his later years, his fastball has dipped to 90-93, although he is still capable of throwing a 97 mph fastball when needed. For the American band of the same name, see Fastball (band). ... A common grip of a slider a pitcher uses In baseball, a slider is a pitch halfway between a curveball and a fastball. ...

Due to his height, long arms, and side-arm pitching, the release point of his pitches makes them look as if they are coming from the first base side of the mound, deceiving left-handed hitters especially. Because of his atypical height and release point, it appears to the hitter as though he is pitching from closer than he actually is.

Accomplishments

• 10-time All-Star (1990, 1993-95, 1997, 1999, 2000-02, 2004)
• World Series MVP Award (with Curt Schilling, 2001) with Arizona Diamondbacks
• American League Cy Young Award winner (1995)
• Four time National League Cy Young Award winner (1999-2002)
• Finished 6th in American League MVP voting (1995)
• In 2001, he became the first pitcher to record 3 wins in a single World Series since Mickey Lolich, and the 13th overall
• Finished 7th in National League MVP voting (2002)
• Led the league in ERA four times (1995, 1999, 2001, 2002)
• Led the league in wins (2002)
• Led the league in Strikeouts (1992-95, 1999, 2000-02, 2004)
• Is one of four pitchers to win the Cy Young for both the American and National League (Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, & Gaylord Perry being the others).
• Won Triple Crown (led league in wins, ERA and strikeouts) (2002)
• On August 23, 2002, struck out 3 batters on 9 pitches in the 6th inning of a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. Became the 21st National League pitcher and the 30th pitcher in Major League history to accomplish the nine-strike/three-strikeout half-inning.
• Struck out 19 batters in a game (June 24, 1997 against Oakland Athletics; August 8, 1997 against Chicago White Sox)
• Struck out 20 batters in a game on May 8, 2001 against Cincinnati Reds; Johnson recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings, but because the game went into extra innings, it was not categorized by MLB as an "official" 20-strikeout game (Tom Cheney's 16-inning, 21-strikeout game is also listed separately). Baseball has since reversed itself on the game, and now lists Johnson with Roger Clemens and Kerry Wood as 20-K pitchers, with a note that he got the 20-K's in 9 innings.
• 4,614 career strikeouts (3rd overall)
• 10.86 strikeouts per 9 innings over career (1st overall)
• Career 284-149 record
• Threw no-hitter: June 2, 1990 (Seattle Mariners 2, Detroit Tigers 0)
• Threw perfect game: May 18, 2004 (Arizona Diamondbacks 2, Atlanta Braves 0) and became the oldest player to accomplish it, at age 40.
• 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.
• Holds an MLB record with 5 consecutive 300-strikeout seasons (1998-2002)
• Diamondback Franchise Single Season Strikeout Record holder with 372 in 2001. This is also a top record of the new millenium turn. He also holds the Diamondback Franchise Record for Single Season Wins with 24 in 2002. That number is also the top record since the millenium turn. In fact, nobody has bested 24 wins since Bob Welch had 27 in 1990.
• From 1993-2002 totaled 2928 strikeouts, the most by a pitcher in a decade. His 5 Cy Young Awards over this 10 year period is also the more than any other pitcher over in said amount of time.

The World Series MVP Award is given to the player who most contributes to his teams success in the World Series. ... Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska) is an American Major League Baseball player, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. ... Michael Stephen Lolich (born September 12, 1940 in Portland, Oregon) was a baseball pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1962 until 1979, playing the majority of his career with the Detroit Tigers. ... Pedro Martinez warming up in right field of Fenway Park before a game, June 22, 2004. ... William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed The Rocket is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and is one of the preeminent Major League baseball pitchers of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. ... Gaylord Jackson Perry (born September 15, 1938 in Williamston, North Carolina) is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. ... In baseball, the Triple Crown refers to: A batter who (at seasons end) leads the league in three major categories -- home runs, runs batted in, and batting average. ... is the 235th day of the year (236th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... In Major League Baseball, 37 pitchers have thrown a nine-pitch, three-strikeout half-inning a total of 40 times. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 9, 27, 34, 42, 43, (As) Name Oakland Athletics (1968–present) Kansas City Athletics (1955-1967) Philadelphia Athletics (1901-1954) (Referred to as As) Other nicknames The As, The White Elephants, The... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Listed below are the pitchers who have struck out 18 or more batters in a nine-inning Major League game, with teams, dates and opponents: // Randy Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks (NL), May 8, 2001, vs. ... Major league affiliations National League (1890–present) Central Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 5, 8, 10, 13, 18, 20, 24, 42 Name Cincinnati Reds (1958–present) Cincinnati Redlegs (1953-1958) Cincinnati Reds (1882-1953) Cincinnati Red Stockings (1876-1882) Other nicknames None Ballpark Great American Ball Park... William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio), nicknamed The Rocket is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, and is one of the preeminent Major League baseball pitchers of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. ... Kerry Lee Wood (born June 16, 1977 in Irving, Texas) is an American baseball player. ... In baseball and softball, a no-hit game (more commonly known as a no-hitter) refers to a contest in which one of the teams has prevented the other from getting an official hit during the entire length of the game, which must be at least 9 innings by the... Major league affiliations American League (1977–present) West Division (1977–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Seattle Mariners (1977–present) Other nicknames The Ms Ballpark Safeco Field (1999–present) King County Domed Stadium (Kingdome) (1977-1999) Major league titles World Series titles (0) none AL Pennants (0) None... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) Central Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 2, 5, 6, 16, 23, 42 Name Detroit Tigers (1901–present) Other nicknames The Bless You Boys Ballpark Comerica Park (2000–present) Tiger Stadium (1912-1999) Briggs Stadium (1938-1960) Navin Field (1912-1938) Bennett... Pitcher David Cone (left) of the New York Yankees reacting to the completion of his perfect game with catcher Joe Girardi on July 18, 1999. ... Major league affiliations National League (1998–present) West Division (1998–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 42 Name Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–present) Other nicknames The D-Backs, The Snakes Ballpark Chase Field (1998–present) a. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876–present) East Division (1994–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3, 21, 35, 41, 42, 44 Name Atlanta Braves (1966–present) Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965) Boston Braves (1941-1952) Boston Bees (1936-1940) Boston Braves (1912-1935) Boston Rustlers (1911) Boston Doves (1907-1910) Boston... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Sporting News (TSN) is an American-based sports newspaper. ... Year 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar). ...

Unusual incidents

Bird beanball

"Bird Beanball"

In a freak accident on March 24, 2001, during the 7th inning of a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants, Johnson threw a fastball that struck and killed a dove. After being struck by the pitch, the bird landed amid a "sea of feathers." The official call was "no pitch". The Diamondbacks went on to win the game 10-5 without further incident.^[5] Image File history File links Bird_Beanball. ... Image File history File links Bird_Beanball. ... is the 83rd day of the year (84th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... A Grapefruit League game at the LA Dodgers camp in Vero Beach, Florida In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of exhibition games which precedes the regular season. ... Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers NY, NY, 3, 4, 11, 24, 27, 30, 36, 42, 44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885–1957) New York Gothams (1883–1885) Other nicknames Jints, Gigantes, G-Men Ballpark AT... Subfamilies see article text Feral Rock Pigeon beside Weiming Lake, Peking University Dove redirects here. ...

This was only the second time in professional baseball that a thrown baseball had killed a bird: the first one was by New York Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield during a warm-up session in 1983. Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... David Mark Winfield (born October 3, 1951, in St. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ...

Altercation with cameraman

On January 10, 2005, Johnson noticed a CBS New York cameramen had been shooting footage of him leaving a building after taking his physical to finalize the trade that brought him to the New York Yankees. Johnson pushed WCBS-TV cameraman Vinny Everett. The next day, Johnson apologized at his press conference that made the trade official. January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 32, 37, 44, 49 Name New York Yankees (1913–present) New York Highlanders (1903-1912) Baltimore Orioles (1901-1902) (Also referred to as... WCBS-TV, channel 2, is the flagship station of the CBS television network, located in New York City. ...

Off the field

Johnson guest starred in an episode of The Simpsons, which aired on March 19, 2006. In the episode, Johnson promotes left-handed teddy bears and is met by Ned Flanders at a left-handers convention. Simpsons redirects here. ... is the 78th day of the year (79th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Johnson appeared in the movie Little Big League, playing himself. Little Big League  is a 1994 film about an 11-year-old (later turns 12) who suddenly becomes the owner and then manager of the Minnesota Twins baseball team. ...

On April 18, 2006, he was named "2nd Unsexiest Male Celebrity" by the Boston-based alternative weekly The Phoenix, behind Gilbert Gottfried.^[6] The Phoenix is an alternative weekly newspaper company based in Boston, Massachusetts that emphasizes arts and entertainment coverage, as well as alternative political viewpoints. ... Gilbert Gottfried (born February 28, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American stand-up comedian and actor noted for his grating voice, his Brooklyn accent and his tendency to shout. ...

Johnson appeared in a Right Guard commercial where he fired dodgeballs at people representing odor. Right Guard is a type of deodorant for men. ...

In an April 2007 interview with Howard Stern, Chris Cornell claimed that Johnson was a close friend of his former band Soundgarden during his playing career in Seattle. This article is a biography of Howard Stern as an individual; for information regarding his radio show see The Howard Stern Show. ... Chris Cornell (born Christopher John Boyle on July 20, 1964) is an American musician best known as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of the rock bands Soundgarden (1984-1997) and Audioslave (2001-2007). ... Soundgarden was an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984. ...

Personal life

Johnson has four children with his wife Lisa: Samantha (born 28 December 1994), Tanner (born 5 April 1996), Willow (born 23 April 1998), and Alexandria (born 4 December 1999).

On March 28, 2006, the New York Daily News revealed that Johnson has a 16-year-old daughter from a previous relationship: Heather Roszell (born 4 September 1989) living in Langley, Washington. is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Langley is a city located in Island County, Washington. ...

For years, Johnson sported a mullet hairstyle, although his hair was trimmed due to the Yankees' rules banning long hair, he continues to wear it that way even after being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also had to shave his goatee according to the Yankees' rules, and currently has a mustache. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Prior to acquiring Johnson for the Diamondbacks in 1999, manager Buck Showalter had a rule banning long hair. He said nothing to Johnson about cutting his hair, drawing criticism from other players. William Nathaniel Buck Showalter (born May 23, 1956 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida) is an American former professional baseball player and the current manager of the Texas Rangers. ...

See also

• Pitchers who have thrown a perfect game
• List of pitchers who have struck out 18 or more batters in a nine-inning baseball game
• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters
• DHL Hometown Heroes
• 3000 strikeout club
• List of MLB individual streaks
• List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
• Triple Crown
• List of Major League Baseball ERA champions
• List of Major League Baseball strikeout champions
• List of Major League Baseball wins champions
• MLB All-Time Hit Batsmen List
• Pitchers who have struck out three batters on nine pitches
• Top 100 strikeout pitchers of all time
• Major League Baseball titles leaders
• Montreal Expos all-time roster

Pitcher David Cone (left) of the New York Yankees reacting to the completion of his perfect game with catcher Joe Girardi on July 18, 1999. ... Listed below are the pitchers who have struck out 18 or more batters in a nine-inning game, with teams, dates and opponents (# - rookie): // 20 Kerry Wood (#), Chicago Cubs (NL), May 6, 1998, vs. ... This is a list of no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. ... Hometown Heroes was a program sponsored by DHL. On September 27, 2006, Major League Baseball announced a list of players, one from each team, voted by MLB fans: † player spent his entire career with one team The Official Hometown Heroes Panel Orestes Destrade (ESPN and XM Satellite Radio broadcaster) Steve... In Major League Baseball, the 3000 strikeout club is an informal term applied to the group of pitchers who have struck out 3000 or more batters in their careers. ... Insert non-formatted text hereThe following is a list of notable individual streaks achieved in Major League Baseball. ... The following is the list of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins. ... In baseball, the Triple Crown refers to: A batter who (at seasons end) leads the league in three major categories -- home runs, runs batted in, and batting average. ... Major League Baseball recognizes earned run average champions in the American League and National League each season. ... Major League Baseball recognizes strikeout champions in the American League and National League each season. ... Major League Baseball recognizes win champions among pitchers in the American League and National League each season. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In Major League Baseball, 37 pitchers have thrown a nine-pitch, three-strikeout half-inning, also known as an immaculate inning, literally throwing nothing but strikes, a total of 40 times. ... In baseball, a strikeout occurs when the batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. ... At the end of each Major League Baseball season, the league leaders of various statistical categories are announced. ... The following is a list of players and managers who appeared at least in one game for the Montreal Expos franchise from 1969 through 2004. ...

References

Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or The Baseball Cube
• Randy Johnson at the Internet Movie Database
• Box score of Johnson's perfect game