Randy Johnson retired today after a 22-year career. The Unit will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2015. His career numbers are mind-boggling.
The competitiveness and fire on the mound were as legendary as his fastball, stature and mullet.
Only Nolan Ryan struck out more than Johnson's 4,875, but Johnson leads everyone with 10.6 K/9 innings. He started 603 games. Over 4,135 innings pitched and a 3.23 ERA. Five Cy Youngs, including four straight from 1999-2002. Opponents hit a mere .221 against him throughout his career.
Became 24th pitcher to join the 300-win club last year with the Giants. It may have been a "joyless pursuit of 300" as Jim Rome observed, but was necessary. You can't retire with 295 wins.
Intimidation and preseverance were Unit's greatest strengths. With control problems early, he led the league in walks his first three years. Ten years later in 2002 he won the pitching triple crown with 24 wins, 2.32 ERA and 334 K.
Led the league nine times in strikeouts, six times in opp. batting avg. and four times in ERA. Two no-hitters, including a perfect game in 2004 at 40. Won more games in his 40s than in his 20s.
Randy Johnson finished with the best career of any left-handed pitcher in history. Numbers, longevity, consistency - Unit did it all.
A nice 6-minute video on his career by MLB Tonight.
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