Randy Johnson
The towering lefty who dominated hitters with a 100-mph fastball and a legendary slider.
Randy Johnson (born September 10, 1963) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played for the Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants between 1988 and 2009. A left-handed batter and thrower, Johnson grew up in Livermore, California, before being drafted in the second round by the Expos in 1985. He became a dominant starter, winning five Cy Young Awards and a World Series co-MVP with the Diamondbacks in 2001, and famously threw a perfect game for the Diamondbacks in 2004.
- Role
- Starting pitcher
- Affiliation
- San Diego Padres (never played for the Padres; this entry is misidentified)
- Status
- Retired
- Key Achievement
- Five Cy Young Awards, 2001 World Series co-MVP, perfect game (2004)
- Nickname
- The Big Unit
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Johnson began his career as a wild but overpowering starter for the Expos, before being traded to the Mariners in 1989. He blossomed into a strikeout machine in Seattle, winning his first Cy Young Award in 1995. He later won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1999 to 2002, the first two with the Diamondbacks and the last two with the Diamondbacks as well. In 2001, he and Curt Schilling led Arizona to a World Series title over the Yankees, with Johnson winning Games 6 and 7. His 6-foot-10 frame and devastating slider made him one of the most intimidating pitchers in history. He later pitched for the Yankees and Giants, retiring with 303 wins and 4,875 strikeouts.
In Their Own Story
On September 28, 1995, at Wrigley Field, Myers faced a dangerous situation after giving up an eighth-inning two-run home run to James Mouton that put the Astros ahead 9–7. A fan named John Murray rushed the field to attack him. Fearing Murray was armed, Myers utilized his lifelong martial arts training to take the intruder down and hold him until security arrived. The Cubs rallied to win the game 12–11 in 10 innings. Following this season, Myers joined the Baltimore Orioles, earning another All-Star selection in 1997 with 45 saves. His career ended with a controversial waiver claim by his former team, the Padres, who took him from the Blue Jays to block the Atlanta Braves, despite already having Trevor Hoffman as their closer.
Reader's Guide
Myers played for the San Diego Padres in two distinct periods: first as a starter and then briefly at the end of his career. In 1992, he served as the team's closer for one season. His final Major League appearance occurred in 1998 with the Blue Jays before being claimed on waivers by the Padres. Although under contract for the 1999 and 2000 seasons, a damaged shoulder prevented him from pitching again after 1998. He underwent rotator cuff surgery in 1999, leading to a legal dispute between the Padres and their insurance carrier over an $8 million claim denial while he earned a salary of nearly $7 million in 2000 unable to play.
Did You Know?
- Johnson's 4,875 career strikeouts rank second all-time behind Nolan Ryan.
- He and Greg Maddux are the only pitchers to win the Cy Young Award in four consecutive seasons.
- In 2004, at age 40, Johnson became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game.
- Johnson famously killed a dove with a pitch during a spring training game in 2001.
- Despite the entry's original claim, Randy Johnson never played for the San Diego Padres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this profile actually describe?
The details provided outline the career of Randall Kirk Myers rather than Randy Johnson, as he was drafted by the Mets in 1982. He played professionally from 1985 to 1998 for multiple franchises including San Diego.
What position did he play during his career?
He served primarily as a left-handed pitcher who specialized in closing out games for his teams. His effectiveness earned him World Series rings with the Mets and Reds later on.
What record is he most famous for setting?
Myers achieved a National League record by recording 53 saves in the 1993 season while playing for the Chicago Cubs. This performance established him as one of the league's top relievers at the time.
When was he affiliated with the San Diego Padres?
He pitched for the Padres during two distinct seasons, specifically appearing on their roster in both 1992 and 1998. These stints were part of his broader journey across several major league clubs.
What notable incident occurred at Wrigley Field involving him?
During his time with the Cubs, he survived a fan attack that took place at their home stadium in Chicago. This event is often cited when discussing the challenges he faced during his career.
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