Randy Johnson: The Man Behind the Fastball and Beyond
Randy Johnson, often heralded as one of the most formidable pitchers in baseball history, has a career that speaks volumes. With a list of accolades that include five Cy Young Awards, 303 game wins, and leading the league in strikeouts nine times, it's no surprise that Johnson's name is synonymous with excellence on the mound.
After retiring at the close of the 2009 season, Johnson shifted his focus towards his family and personal pursuits. "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," Johnson reflected. This transition marked a significant change from the high-pressure world of professional sports to a more balanced personal life.
One of the notable commitments that Johnson took on post-retirement was participating in USO tours. From 2010 to 2019, Johnson dedicated nine years to supporting US military personnel around the globe. "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," he recounted.
These tours provided Johnson with a unique way to give back to the community, inspired by a friend who organized high-profile athletes for the cause. "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," Johnson explained. This involvement allowed him to connect with and appreciate the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Johnson found himself participating in a promotional campaign with Sizzler, where he coached a youth baseball team. The team, primarily composed of players aged between six and eight, reminded Johnson of the classic "Bad News Bears" movie. "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 with a chuckle.
Watching the young players' dedication and enthusiasm was a rewarding experience for Johnson. "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," he shared. His involvement provided the kids with invaluable insights and guidance from one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
Throughout his career, Johnson managed to avoid major elbow issues, a common plight among pitchers today. Reflecting on the modern game, he noted, "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." He went on to ponder the reasons behind the current surge in injuries despite the relatively fewer innings pitched by today’s athletes. "They would throw 250-260 innings and 135 pitches a game, so I don't know why there are so many injuries in today's game, I really don't," he admitted.
Johnson's sage advice also extended to current rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. With 92 innings across 15 starts and maxing out at 107 pitches in a single game, Skenes is making a name for himself. Johnson advised him, "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." Emphasizing the importance of endurance and perseverance, he added, "You just have to mold your body and your body needs to become accustomed to that kind of workload. That's all it is."
As baseball continues to evolve, Johnson is an advocate for the pitch clock—a tool introduced to speed up the pace of games. "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," he stated.
From an illustrious career on the baseball diamond to impactful philanthropic efforts and offering wisdom to the next generation, Randy Johnson’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His legacy continues to inspire both on and off the field.