Randy Johnson, the legendary left-handed pitcher, put together one of the most dominant careers in MLB history. Over 22 seasons with six different teams, he posted a 303–166 record across 618 appearances, logged a 3.29 ERA, and tallied 4,875 strikeouts—the second-highest total in league history.
Johnson was a 10-time All-Star, claimed four ERA titles, earned five Cy Young Awards, and captured the 2001 World Series MVP. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Known as “The Big Unit,” the 6-foot-10 southpaw spent a decade with the Seattle Mariners and eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
His run in Seattle from 1989–1998 was exceptional. In 274 outings, he went 130–74 with a 3.42 ERA, striking out 2,162 batters while issuing 884 walks.
The Mariners announced via their X account that they will retire Johnson’s No. 51 next season.
“Honoring The Big Unit Mark those calendars – we’ll retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 on May 2, 2026! #Mariners50,” the team posted.
It marks the second straight year Seattle has retired No. 51 after doing the same for Ichiro Suzuki last August. The Diamondbacks also retired Johnson’s No. 51 back in 2015.
Although Johnson hasn’t been part of the Mariners organization for more than 20 years, the news is sure to thrill Seattle fans.