Randy Johnson

Randall David "Randy" Johnson (born September 10, 1963 in Walnut Creek, California), also known as The Big Unit, is a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He is most noted for his stature (6'10"; 2.08 m) and having one of the most dominant fastballs in the game (he is the second tallest player in the history of MLB; Jon Rauch being the tallest). Randy has won the Cy Young Award five times, second only to Roger Clemens' seven.

Early career

Randy Johnson was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 2nd round of the 1985 amateur draft and made his debut on September 15, 1988. Despite four solid starts that fall, Johnson struggled with his command early the next season and lost the faith of the Montreal organization. On May 25, 1989 he was traded along with Gene Harris and Brian Holman to the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later and Mark Langston.

Related Topics:
Drafted - Montreal Expos - 1985 - September 15 - 1988 - May 25 - 1989 - Gene Harris - Seattle Mariners - Mark Langston

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The change of scenery was not an instant remedy for the "Big Unit's" wildness -- he walked over 100 batters in 1990, 1991 and 1992 -- but he worked hard and the organization stuck with him. He posted better-than-average ERA and strikeout numbers those years, prompting many to ask the question of how good he would be if he could just get control of his fastball. The question would be answered over the next decade.

Related Topics:
Walked - 1990 - 1991 - 1992 - ERA - Strikeout

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