As one of baseball's most formidable pitchers, Randy Johnson left an indelible mark on the sport. His career was decorated with numerous accolades, including five Cy Young Awards, 303 game wins, and leading the league in strikeouts nine times. After a career that spanned over two decades, Johnson retired following the 2009 baseball season, setting the stage for a life beyond the pitcher's mound.
In a candid reflection about 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." Transitioning from a life dominated by baseball to one focused on family and personal endeavors, Johnson sought to make up for lost moments with his loved ones.
The USO Tours
Despite stepping away from the game, Johnson’s commitment to service and leadership endured. He became deeply involved in USO tours, dedicating nearly a decade to supporting U.S. military personnel around the world. "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. His involvement was prompted by a friend’s invitation, and he embraced the opportunity to give back, stating, "I said I'd love to do it when I retire."
Coaching the Youth
In addition to his USO work, Johnson found joy in a promotional campaign with Sizzler, where he coached a youth baseball team of players aged six to eight. This experience allowed him to impact the next generation of athletes. Reflecting on this endeavor, Johnson explained, "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 struggles, he found immense satisfaction in watching their growth 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 added.
Insights and Comparisons
Throughout his career, Johnson remarkably managed to avoid major elbow issues, a feat increasingly rare in modern baseball. "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 observed. Johnson pointed out the stark differences between past and present practices, noting, "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 emphasized the need for modern pitchers to acclimate their bodies to high workloads to emulate past pitching greats. "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.
Mentoring Paul Skenes
Johnson’s wisdom extends to mentoring current young players, such as rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. Skenes, who has logged 92 innings across 15 starts this season, has been guided by Johnson’s seasoned insights. Having reached the 100-pitch mark seven times and peaking at 107 pitches in a single game, Skenes benefits from Johnson's advice on durability and performance. "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," Johnson urged, highlighting the mental fortitude required to excel at the highest level.
Supporting the Pitch Clock
Johnson also shared his thoughts on recent developments in the game, such as the implementation of the pitch clock to speed up play. He sees its benefits, believing it enhances the game’s flow and pace. "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 concluded.
Randy Johnson’s career may have ended in 2009, but his contributions to baseball and beyond continue to resonate. Whether through his service with the USO, coaching young players, or mentoring the next generation of pitchers, Johnson remains a revered figure whose legacy is marked by both his achievements on the field and his dedication off it.