Randy Johnson: Life After Baseball and Continued Impact
Randy Johnson, known as one of baseball's most formidable pitchers, left an indelible mark on the sport. His illustrious career includes five Cy Young Awards, 303 game wins, and leading the league in strikeouts nine times. Johnson's impressive journey on the mound concluded after the 2009 baseball season, marking the end of an era for baseball enthusiasts.
Post-retirement Activities
Following his retirement, Johnson shifted his focus to family and personal endeavors. "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," he shared. This new phase of life allowed him to cherish moments with his loved ones, filling the void left by his departure from the game.
Commitment to USO
However, Johnson's dedication to giving back extended beyond his family. From 2010 to 2019, he actively participated in USO tours, supporting military personnel around the globe. "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 revealed. This commitment stemmed from a friend's suggestion, and it became a fulfilling endeavor for the former pitcher.
Coaching the Youth
In addition to his USO involvement, Johnson also found a way to share his love for baseball with the younger generation. In a promotional campaign with Sizzler, he coached a youth baseball team comprised mostly of players between six and eight years old. Reflecting on this experience, Johnson said, "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." Watching the young players' effort, excitement, and camaraderie was a rewarding experience for him. "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 on Modern Baseball
Johnson's insights into the modern state of baseball are both reflective and critical. He noted a noticeable increase in elbow injuries among pitchers today compared to his era. "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," Johnson remarked, pointing out the stark contrast. He also questioned the root causes of these injuries, "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."
Advice to Up-and-Coming Pitchers
According to Johnson, a pitcher's development relies heavily on managing their workload and honing their physical conditioning. Sharing advice with rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, who logged 92 innings across 15 starts this season, Johnson emphasized the importance of endurance. "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 said. Johnson also encouraged pitchers to demonstrate their potential and assert themselves. "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."
Support for the Pitch Clock
In line with modern changes to the game, Johnson expressed his support for the pitch clock, which aims to speed up the pace of play. "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," Johnson commented, endorsing the initiative designed to enhance the game's flow.
Randy Johnson's journey from a legendary pitcher to a dedicated family man and mentor displays his multifaceted life beyond the diamond. His contributions to the sport and unwavering support for the community continue to inspire, reflecting the enduring legacy of "The Big Unit."