Randy Johnson’s name instantly comes to mind when you think of baseball legends. With a fierce presence and an intimidating fastball, he racked up strikeouts that became the stuff of legend. Here are 15 of the most iconic strikeouts of his career.
Strikeout of John Kruk
In the 1993 All-Star matchup, Randy Johnson delivered a stunning performance, striking out John Kruk with an incredible slider. The southpaw’s high heat and late-breaking throw emphasized his elite ability to overpower hitters. Kruk, visibly shaken, couldn’t resist the intimidating energy radiating from Johnson.
The K of Juan Gonzalez
Facing Juan Gonzalez in the 1996 ALDS, he showcased an electric fastball and delivered a 98 mph strikeout that left the batter flailing. His precision and velocity reflected mastery of the mound. As Gonzalez returned to the dugout, fans erupted and recognized that the “Big Unit” had struck again.
Overcoming Chipper Jones
In 1999, Johnson faced Chipper Jones, a future Hall of Famer, with the game on the line. He made a devastating slider that caught Jones looking. The crowd cheered as Johnson celebrated as they witnessed a monumental moment. This feat encapsulated his ability to perform under pressure and dominate elite hitters.
Dismantling Derek Jeter
Superstar rookie Derek Jeter squared off against Randy Johnson in an exhilarating matchup in 2004. As a result, Jeter was unable to swing and miss against his perfectly placed fastball, clocked at 96 mph. It occurred during a showdown between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees on May 12.
Taking Down Barry Bonds
Randy Johnson struck out Barry Bonds, one of the most feared hitters of all time, in a memorable duel in a game on June 26, 2001. With the San Francisco Giants trailing the Diamondbacks, he delivered a blazing pitch, followed by a slider that left Bonds off balance and unable to make contact.
Silencing Sammy Sosa
Sosa went against Randy Johnson during the 1999 season, where the ace released a fastball that he could only watch go by. This moment occurred on June 27 in a clash between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs. As he returned to the dugout and acknowledged the exceptional talent he faced, Sosa’s frustration was evident.
Dominating Mike Piazza
In a game on July 8, 2000, Randy Johnson battled future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. He showcased his flawless delivery and devastating slider to claim a key out. The highlight underscored his authority and contributed to his remarkable 2000 season, where he recorded 347 strikeouts and led the league in earned run average (ERA).
Striking Out A-Rod
Seattle Mariners’ young star Alex Rodriguez faced towering left-handed ace Randy Johnson in 1995. Known for his blazing fastball, he threw a signature pitch that struck out A-Rod in a matchup. This electrifying encounter began a legendary rivalry between two of baseball’s brightest figures.
Facing Ken Griffey Jr.
Tension filled the air in a gripping 1997 face-off as Randy Johnson confronted Ken Griffey Jr. After a blazing high-velocity toss, Griffey fouled off, and Johnson followed up by throwing a sharp slider. The count reached 0-2, and he delivered a devastating breaking ball, completely fooling Griffey and resulting in a strikeout that thrilled the crowd.
Conquering Tim Salmon
On June 22, 1999, Randy Johnson played against Tim Salmon in a memorable game against the Angels. He showed a legendary curveball and released a sharply bending pitch that completely fooled Salmon, which resulted in a whiff. His supremacy was evident as he struck out 14 batters throughout the contest.
Baffling Mo Vaughn
In a 1999 battle, he displayed peak performance opposing Mo Vaughn. Starting with fastballs to set the tone, Randy Johnson then executed a perfectly executed sliding ball that sharply dropped near the plate. This fooled Vaughn and resulted in a strikeout. The skillful hurl mixing was essential to his success as a perennial MLB ace.
Outsmarting Jim Thome
Randy Johnson’s encounter with Jim Thome in 2001 was defined as a pitching genius. Johnson made a series of increasingly quick throws, which led to a blistering heater that painted the corner of the plate. Thome swung but missed, unable to connect. Such an impressive display showed his physical prowess and strategic insight.
Foolproof Against Gary Sheffield
Recognizing Sheffield’s preference for inside deliveries, he crafted a plan. He started with hard shots to establish dominance before switching to sliders and curveballs, varying his launches. The strikeout occurred on a perfect delivery aimed at the inside corner, which left Sheffield unable to make contact.
Striking Out Frank Thomas
Over a 2003 game, he overpowered Frank Thomas. As a two-time MVP and a feared slugger, Thomas posed a significant challenge. In his second season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Johnson strategically mixed fastballs and change-ups. This exemplified his skill in keeping batters off balance.
Ending with Jim Edmonds
In a late-career duel on June 25, 2004, Johnson faced off against outfielder Jim Edmonds while playing for the Yankees. He showcased prowess by delivering a perfect curveball that left Edmonds swinging in the air. By then, he had amassed over 4,600 career strikeouts to become among MLB’s all-time greats.
15 Iconic Strikeouts That Made Randy Johnson a Baseball Legend