Randy Johnson Reflects on Career, Post-Retirement Activities, and Modern Baseball
Randy Johnson, renowned for his dominance on the pitcher's mound, remains a towering figure in the annals of baseball history. His accolades speak volumes: five Cy Young Awards, 303 game wins, and leading the league in strikeouts on nine occasions. The "Big Unit," as he was affectionately known, was a force to be reckoned with throughout his storied career. Yet, despite his legendary status, Johnson's journey did not conclude with his final pitch in the 2009 baseball season.
Following his retirement, Johnson redirected his focus toward family and personal endeavors. "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," he shared. His post-retirement life saw him embracing new roles, notably stepping into philanthropic efforts that further solidified his commitment to giving back.
One of Johnson’s significant contributions post-retirement was his participation in 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. This noble endeavor arose from a friend's suggestion, "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."
In addition to his USO involvement, Johnson also found unique ways to connect with the younger generation. Partnering with Sizzler, he coached a youth baseball team predominantly composed of players aged six to eight. Johnson humorously likened the experience to a classic film, stating, "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." Despite the team's initial shortcomings, he was inspired by their spirit and camaraderie. "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 remarked.
Reflecting on his career, Johnson acknowledged his good fortune in avoiding significant elbow issues, a stark contrast to the apparent surge in injuries among contemporary pitchers. 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." The increase in injuries is puzzling to Johnson, especially given the higher innings and pitch counts typical of his time. "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."
Despite stepping away from professional play, Johnson continues to influence young pitchers, offering wisdom and advice to emerging talents like rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. "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," he advised. Emphasizing the physical demands of the sport, Johnson 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 evolves, so do its rules and protocols. Johnson expressed his support for the pitch clock, a recent addition designed to expedite 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," Johnson asserted. This endorsement highlights his appreciation for maintaining the game's integrity while adapting to the modern era.
Randy Johnson's legacy, both on and off the mound, is marked by excellence, dedication, and a continual desire to contribute positively to the community and the sport he loves. His reflections and actions post-retirement serve as a testament to the enduring impact of his illustrious career.