Few pitchers command the reverence that Randy Johnson does in the annals of baseball history. Renowned for his formidable presence on the mound, Johnson's illustrious career is decorated with five Cy Young Awards and an impressive tally of 303 game wins. Perhaps most strikingly, "The Big Unit" led the league in strikeouts nine times, an achievement that underscores his dominance in the sport.
Johnson's final curtain call came at the end of the 2009 baseball season, closing a chapter filled with excellence and extraordinary feats. Reflecting on his decision to step away from the game, Johnson shared, "I retired after the 2009 season and in 2010, married and with my kids, [I was] just trying to give back time that I had been giving baseball."
Post-retirement, Johnson dedicated himself passionately to personal and family endeavors. He balanced his time with a notable commitment to the USO tours from 2010 to 2019. "The one commitment I did have was when I got really involved in the USO tours. The first tour I went on [was in] 2010, and I went all the way to 2019, so for nine years, I went all over the world supporting our men and women," Johnson recounted.
Johnson’s involvement in the USO originated from a friend’s recommendation. "That came about because a friend of mine ... was in charge of getting the celebrities or high-profile athletes and he asked me if I wanted to do it and I said I'd love to do it when I retire," he explained.
In addition to supporting the troops, Johnson found a unique way to give back to baseball through a promotional campaign with Sizzler, where he coached a youth baseball team. The team, comprising mostly of players between six and eight years old, was reminiscent of the underdog narrative from "The Bad News Bears." "The whole premise was they weren't unfortunately a very good team, basically like 'The Bad News Bears' of the '70s and I'm playing Walter Matthau, if you will," he said. "It was really pretty cool to be out there and watch their effort and their excitement and their exhilaration and their camaraderie among one another."
A standout aspect of Johnson's career was his remarkable injury resilience, particularly avoiding major elbow issues. Comparing today's game with his era, he observed, "For every 15 Tommy John surgeries that are happening in today's game, there might've been one every year in my era, that I heard of." This stark contrast raises questions about the longevity and durability of pitchers today versus those of previous generations.
Reflecting on the changes in the game, Johnson shared insights with rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, who has made an impact this season with 92 innings across 15 starts. Skenes has consistently reached the 100-pitch mark seven times this season but has wisely not exceeded 107 pitches in a single game. Johnson offered a piece of seasoned advice: "If you want to be the pitcher that you're capable of being, you need to step up and show people what you're capable of doing and voice your opinion."
Johnson's perspective on the modern game's mechanics, especially regarding workloads, is fascinating. "You just have to mold your body and your body needs to become accustomed to that kind of workload. That's all it is," he remarked. It’s a testament to his philosophy of physical and mental preparation—a mindset that undoubtedly contributed to his longevity and success.
Moreover, Johnson has voiced support for the pitch clock recently introduced to expedite the pace of games. He believes it aligns with the core essence of baseball, commenting, "I think the big benefit is what it was meant to do is quicken the games up and I think that's good. I think it's better that pitchers get on the mound and pitch."
Through his storied career and activities post-retirement, Randy Johnson continues to influence and inspire the baseball world. His insights into the evolution of the game, combined with his hands-on contributions to both young players and service members, underscore a legacy that extends far beyond the pitcher's mound.