Randy Johnson: From Dominating the Mound to Giving Back
Randy Johnson, often revered as one of baseball's most formidable pitchers, has an illustrious career marked by remarkable achievements. With five Cy Young Awards and 303 game wins under his belt, Johnson's prowess on the mound is undisputed. His legacy is further cemented by leading the league in strikeouts nine times, a testament to his fearsome presence and undeniable skill.
After hanging up his cleats following the 2009 season, Johnson turned his attention to his family and personal endeavors, looking to make up for the years spent under the bright lights of Major League Baseball. "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.
Post-Retirement Life and USO Tours
Although he stepped away from professional baseball, Johnson's sense of duty and commitment did not wane. Between 2010 and 2019, he actively participated in USO tours, lending his support to American troops stationed 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 shared.
This opportunity arose through a personal connection, and Johnson embraced it wholeheartedly. "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 recounted.
Coaching Youth and Sharing Wisdom
In addition to his supportive role in the USO, Johnson found time to engage in a promotional campaign with Sizzler, where he coached a youth baseball team predominantly composed of players between six and eight years old. "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," Johnson humorously described. Yet, he cherished the experience, stating, "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."
Johnson also remained connected to the professional game, offering insights and advice to younger pitchers. He shared his wisdom with rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, underscoring the importance of adapting one's body to the rigorous demands of pitching. "You just have to mold your body and your body needs to become accustomed to that kind of workload. That's all it is," Johnson advised. With Skenes logging 92 innings across 15 starts this season and hitting the 100-pitch mark seven times, Johnson's guidance is certainly valuable.
Reflections on Modern Baseball
As a legend of the game, Johnson has witnessed firsthand the evolution of baseball, particularly the increase in injuries among pitchers. Comparing eras, he noted, "For every fifteen 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 expressed bewilderment at the rising injury rates despite the reduced workload of modern pitchers. "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 these concerns, Johnson remains a proponent of the pitch clock introduced in modern baseball to speed up the 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 commented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good pace during games.
A Lasting Legacy
Randy Johnson's legacy extends far beyond his statistics and accolades. His contributions on and off the field illustrate the character and integrity that have defined his career. Whether dominating batters with his imposing fastball or supporting military personnel and coaching young athletes, Johnson's impact remains profound and enduring.