Randy Johnson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Randy Johnson.

Randy Johnson, nicknamed "the Big Unit," is a retired American professional baseball pitcher. He played for 22 seasons (1988-2009) in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson played for six teams total and was known for his intimidating height and powerful fastball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 8, 2001: 20 Strikeouts in a Game

On May 8, 2001, Randy Johnson struck out 20 batters in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He recorded all 20 strikeouts in the first nine innings, however, the game went into extra innings, making him ineligible to share the nine-inning game strikeout record.

August 23, 2001: Immaculate Inning

On August 23, 2001, Randy Johnson struck out three batters on nine pitches in the 6th inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the 30th pitcher in major league history to pitch an immaculate inning.

2001: World Series Appearance and Victory

In 2001, Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling led the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series appearance and victory against the New York Yankees. They shared the World Series Most Valuable Player Award, the Babe Ruth Award, and were named Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportsmen of the Year". Johnson won his third consecutive Warren Spahn Award and he is the last pitcher to win 3 games in a single World Series.

2002: Pitching Triple Crown and Cy Young Award

In 2002, Randy Johnson won the pitching Triple Crown, leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He was also voted his fourth consecutive Cy Young and Warren Spahn Awards. It was Johnson's fourth consecutive 300-strikeout season with the Diamondbacks, and he became the first pitcher in baseball history to post a 24–5 record.

June 29, 2004: 4,000th Career Strikeout

On June 29, 2004, Randy Johnson struck out Jeff Cirillo of the San Diego Padres to become only the fourth MLB player to reach 4,000 strikeouts in a career.

2004: Led Major Leagues in Strikeouts

In 2004, Randy Johnson finished the season with a 16–14 record, a 2.60 ERA, and led the major leagues in strikeouts with 290. He finished second to Roger Clemens for the Cy Young Award. In games where Arizona scored three or more runs, Johnson was 13–2.

2005: Ranked in Baseball's 100 Greatest Players

In 2005, The Sporting News published an update to their 1999 book, Baseball's 100 Greatest Players. Randy Johnson was ranked at Number 60.

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April 14, 2008: Season Debut After Back Surgery

On April 14, 2008, Randy Johnson made his season debut against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park, eight months following his back surgery.

June 3, 2008: Surpassed Roger Clemens in Career Strikeouts

On June 3, 2008, Randy Johnson struck out Mike Cameron of the Milwaukee Brewers for career strikeout number 4,673, surpassing Roger Clemens for the number two spot on the all-time strikeout leaders list.

July 6, 2008: 4,700th Career Strikeout

On July 6, 2008, Randy Johnson got his 4,700th career strikeout.

January 17, 2012: Induction into Mariners Hall of Fame

On January 17, 2012, Randy Johnson was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame.

August 8, 2015: Diamondbacks Retired Number and Presentation of Drum Set

On August 8, 2015, the Diamondbacks retired Randy Johnson's number. At the retirement ceremony, Johnson was presented with a replica of the drum set used by Neil Peart, drummer for the Canadian band Rush, during their 30th anniversary tour.

2019: Bob Feller Act of Valor Award

In 2019, Randy Johnson was the Hall of Fame recipient of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in recognition of his charitable efforts with the United Service Organizations and initiatives to fight homelessness.

2020: Ranked in The Athletic's "Baseball 100" List

In 2020, The Athletic ranked Randy Johnson at number 28 on its "Baseball 100" list, compiled by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.

2022: Named on "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports"

In 2022, as part of their SN Rushmore project, The Sporting News named Randy Johnson on their "Phoenix Mount Rushmore of Sports", along with Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Nash, and Diana Taurasi.