### Randy Johnson Sets the Record Straight Ahead of Mariners Number Retirement

Randy Johnson, popularly known as "The Big Unit," needed to clear the air about his departure from the Seattle Mariners during a Zoom call arranged by the team. This comes shortly after the announcement that the Mariners will retire his No. 51 jersey during the 2026 season, recognizing him as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in baseball history.

Johnson took the opportunity to address the long-standing belief among Mariners fans that he chose to leave Seattle. "I was traded; I didn't walk away," Johnson clarified. "For whatever reason, the ownership then didn't make this [number retirement] happen [sooner]. And so I suppose I was a little disappointed."

In July 1998, the Mariners traded Johnson to the Houston Astros; a move questioned at the time as the Mariners received three minor-leaguers in return. With Johnson poised to enter free agency at the end of the season and the front office making it clear they had no plans to offer a new contract, the trade was inevitable. Reflecting on the moment he found out, Johnson recalled, "It would have been great if [Lou Piniella] had said, 'Hey, we've got a contract extension for you.'"

Despite speculations that Johnson intentionally underperformed to facilitate his exit, Johnson asserted that he always gave his best. "Every fifth day, I gave everything that I had. I really did," he said. Now 61, Johnson has undergone multiple surgeries, but remains proud of his efforts on the field, particularly his contributions at the Kingdome.

During his ten seasons with the Mariners, Johnson's career milestones included throwing the team's first no-hitter on June 2, 1990, earning the American League Cy Young Award in 1995, and eventually setting a formidable record within Major League Baseball. He later signed a notable four-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, achieving four consecutive National League Cy Young Awards and the title of World Series MVP in 2001.

Johnson was celebrated with induction into the Mariners’ Hall of Fame in 2012, alongside his long-time catcher Dan Wilson. He was also enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 as a Diamondback, a year notable as Arizona also retired his jersey number 51.

The Mariners have previously retired the numbers of legends such as Ken Griffey Jr. (24), Edgar Martinez (11), and Ichiro Suzuki (51), with Jackie Robinson’s iconic 42 also permanently retired across Major League Baseball. Johnson shared a special connection with Ichiro, who respectfully sought Johnson's blessing to wear No. 51 when he joined the Mariners, resulting in Ichiro’s own Hall of Fame career.

When the Mariners approached Johnson about retiring his number, he requested that it not overshadow Ichiro’s Hall of Fame achievements. Grateful for the recognition, Johnson said, "I'm extremely excited and proud and honored. I know the significance of Ichiro and his accomplishments because he deserves to have his own day."