"The Big Unit", Randy Johnson Retires After 22 Years Of MLB Service

Sports News - January 6th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

After 22 illustrious seasons in Major League Baseball, one of the greatest left-handed pitchers is stepping out of the spot-light. Randy Johnson, "the Big Unit," announced Tuesday, that he would retiring from the game he dominated for the majority of his career.

"I really wanted to go out on my terms," Johnson said to the AP in a conference. "I just feel like there's not a lot more for me to do in this game. I just think it's a natural progression when you play this long. Eventually you have to say it's time."

Johnson leaves MLB Baseball as one of the most decorated pitchers of all time. A five-time Cy Young Award winner, Johnson also won a world series title in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he collected Co-MVP honors. In his 22 seasons, Johnson was elected to the All-Star Team 10-times.

The 6-foot-10 left-hander reached the 300-win milestone back in June of last year, and finishes his career with a record of 303-166. Johnson is one of only 24 pitchers to reach the 300-win plateau. During his run to 300, Johnson tossed two no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves at the age of 40.

"It's all been a bit of a whirlwind. I never really got caught up in what I did," Johnson said to the AP in the conference. "I never really dwelled on my achievements. They're nice. Maybe now I'll be able to reflect on them."

Johnson ranks second on the all-time career strikeouts list, with 4,875, second only to Nolan Ryan.

This past season, Johnson finished with an 8-6 record and had an ERA just under five. Following the season, Johnson noted that he wanted time away from the game to assess his future, before making a decision on his status.

"It's taken this long into January because I definitely wanted to just kind of relax from the season being over and make sure I had a clear head when I made this decision, and that I would be making it wholeheartedly and would be sticking to it," Johnson remarked in the conference.

Johnson made only 17 starts last season due to injury. He struggled with a strained left shoulder and a torn rotator-cuff that caused him to miss more than two months. In returning, he was implemented back in a relief position, but could not see himself continuing in that role.

"My 40s have really been learning years," he said to the AP in his conference. "The last five years of my career, there's been a lot there to sift through, a lot of ups and downs, some great moments in my career and some moments that got my head scratching."

Johnson has one final stop to make in Major League Baseball, Cooperstown.