In the annals of baseball history, few names command the respect and reverence reserved for Randy Johnson. Known for his towering presence on the mound and an arsenal that left batters quaking, Johnson's career was studded with accolades, including five Cy Young Awards and 303 wins. Over the span of his illustrious career, he led the league in strikeouts nine times, cementing his legacy as one of baseball's most formidable pitchers.
Johnson's retirement after the 2009 season marked the end of an era. Reflecting on his post-retirement life, Johnson shared, "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." This sentiment underscores the family-first philosophy that guided his post-professional journey.
One notable chapter in his life post-retirement was his active participation in USO tours from 2010 to 2019. Johnson said of this commitment, "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." His involvement was sparked by a friend who managed celebrity participation in these tours. "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 added.
Johnson’s passion for baseball continued as he imparted his wisdom to the next generation. A memorable project saw him coaching a youth baseball team in a promotional campaign with Sizzler. These young athletes, mostly aged between six and eight, were veritable underdogs. "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 recalled. Yet, the experience was rewarding for both coach and players. "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 noted.
The current state of pitching in baseball is a subject Johnson often reflects upon. Remarkably, he avoided major elbow issues throughout his career, a rare feat in today’s game where injuries are rampant. "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," he mentioned. In Johnson's time, pitchers were workhorses. "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," he mused.
However, Johnson believes that the key to reducing injuries lies in pitchers adapting. "You just have to mold your body and your body needs to become accustomed to that kind of workload. That's all it is," he advised. His guidance extends to young pitchers like Paul Skenes, with whom he shared his insights. Skenes, who has pitched 92 innings across 15 starts this season, reaching the 100-pitch mark seven times, is a testament to the demanding nature of the sport.
In a bid to modernize and improve the pace of play, Johnson has shown support for the pitch clock. "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 affirmed. His endorsement highlights a larger trend towards making baseball more engaging for fans and players alike.
Through his decades-long association with baseball—both on and off the field—Randy Johnson's enduring influence is unmistakable. His legacy is not only reflected in his records and achievements but also in his contributions to future generations and the broader community. As young pitchers like Skenes emerge, they do so with the foundational teachings of legends like Johnson, ensuring that the spirit and excellence of the game continue to thrive.