Imagine seeing your team’s most iconic player honored in a way that solidifies their legacy forever. On May 2nd, the Seattle Mariners will forever enshrine the legendary Randy Johnson, “The Big Unit,” by retiring his iconic No. 51 jersey! But here’s what makes this more than just a ceremony: it’s a celebration of a journey, a testament to the power of perseverance, and recognition of a player who transformed a franchise.
Mark your calendars! The momentous event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, preceding the 6:40 p.m. PT game against the Kansas City Royals. Get ready for a special pregame ceremony worthy of a pitching icon. And if you’re one of the first 20,000 fans at the park the night before, May 1st, you’ll snag a Randy Johnson ’80s Jersey, courtesy of T-Mobile. This night is presented by T-Mobile and is sure to be a fun kickoff to the weekend.
Johnson’s No. 51 will join an elite group of retired numbers in Mariners history. He will stand alongside Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24), Edgar Martinez (No. 11), and Ichiro Suzuki (No. 51). Of course, Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 is retired across all of Major League Baseball, a constant reminder of his enduring legacy.
The team initially revealed their plans to retire Johnson’s number back in June, coinciding with the unveiling of the Mariners’ 2026 promotional schedule. But the specific date had remained a mystery, fueling anticipation among fans. “There was really never any significance to me wearing the No. 51,” Johnson reflected in June. “It kind of over time, I think when you wear it for a majority of your career, and I played 22 years in the Major Leagues, and I was No. 51, so I guess that kind of is how you’re recognized, in some regards, by fans, and that number kind of becomes symbolic with your identity.”
While Johnson achieved considerable success and accolades with the Arizona Diamondbacks – a fact underscored by his Diamondbacks cap in the Hall of Fame – it was during his time with the Mariners that he truly evolved into one of the greatest left-handed pitchers the game has ever witnessed. He became a towering figure on the mound, intimidating hitters with his powerful fastball and imposing presence. But this is where it gets controversial… some might argue that his World Series victory with the Diamondbacks outweighs his individual brilliance in Seattle. Where do you stand on this debate?
Acquired in a 1989 trade with the Montreal Expos, Johnson’s arrival in Seattle is still considered one of the most impactful trades in Mariners history. His breakout season came in 1993, when he posted a 19-8 record with a 3.24 ERA and recorded the first of his six seasons with over 300 strikeouts. But here’s the part most people miss: his impact extended far beyond the numbers. Johnson was the driving force behind the Mariners’ unforgettable 1995 season, a year that ignited a city and forever changed the landscape of baseball in the Pacific Northwest. His performance during that season is legendary, solidifying his place in Mariners lore.
“There wasn’t a lot of expectations in Seattle at that time,” Johnson recalled. “We hadn’t finished over .500 to that point, and so there was a lot of growing pains, and we all kind of gelled.” During his tenure with the Mariners, Johnson compiled an impressive 130-74 record with a 3.42 ERA, 51 complete games, and 2,162 strikeouts in 274 games (266 starts). These numbers don’t just tell a story; they scream dominance.
To this day, he remains among the franchise leaders in numerous categories, including second in strikeouts and third in wins, starts, and innings pitched. Johnson was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2012 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 – the same year the Diamondbacks retired his No. 51. He officially retired after the 2009 season, having also played for the Expos (1988-89), Astros (1998), Diamondbacks (1999-2004, 2007-08), Yankees (2005-06), and Giants (2009).
Randy Johnson’s impact on the Mariners and the game of baseball is undeniable. His jersey retirement is a well-deserved honor, and a chance for fans to celebrate a true legend. What are your favorite memories of “The Big Unit” in a Mariners uniform? Do you think his impact in Seattle is unfairly overshadowed by his time in Arizona? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!