In the grand tapestry of baseball, some numbers stand as symbols of the greats who wore them. One such number has become ingrained in the history books of the Seattle Mariners. The number 51 belongs to legendary Randy Johnson. It represents monumental fastballs, thrilling moments, and a lasting impact that changed the course of the team’s history.

Thirty-five years ago, on June 2, 1990, the world of baseball changed in a big way. Randy Johnson, a tall left-handed pitcher in a Mariners jersey, took the Kingdome mound against the Detroit Tigers. That day wasn’t just a triumph; it was the Mariners’ first no-hitter, a turning point leading to a Hall of Fame career. Before that historic game, he had a 4.54 ERA and a 13-16 record. After that game, he had an impressive 290-150 record and a 3.21 ERA, making him a baseball legend.

On this very anniversary, the Seattle Mariners have decided to make a statement that will profoundly impact the sport and its fans. The team will retire his famous number 51, which stands for intimidation and excellence, in a ceremony before a game in 2026. The exact date is still a mystery, as the 2026 Major League Schedule has not yet been set. But why not in 2025? This long-awaited memorial has an interesting narrative! The story is about two athletes who changed the game in their ways and had a strong friendship of respect and giving.

Remember Ichiro Suzuki? He joined the Mariners in 2001 and was given the number 51. Imagine getting a chance to wear a number that has made a reputation with his legendary performance. It’s a privilege! Suzuki was very aware of it, so he wrote a letter to Johnson seeking his blessings to wear his number. And Johnshon, the gentleman, was more than happy to give his blessings. Moving forward to the present, he continues to do so!

An MLB insider, Bob Nightengale, revealed a narrative that will add more respect for Randy Johnson. He said, “Randy Johnson wanted Ichiro Suzuki to have his own day, so he delayed his Mariners’ jersey retirement ceremony until 2026. Ichiro, who also wore No. 51, wrote a letter to Johnson upon his arrival to ask if he could also wear his number. Johnson was honored, giving his blessing.”  

The fact that two of baseball’s greats admire each other shows how deep their characters are. Ichiro once said, “I felt like if number 51 was just an average player, I wouldn’t do Randy Johnson justice. I knew (what it meant) for that number to keep going and for that, I took very seriously.”

John Stanton, the chairman of the Mariners, said it best: “Randy is both one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history, and one of the most important figures in our organization’s history.” Randy Johnson’s legacy serves as an inspiration for all, not only for the Mariners.

The Big Unit’s enduring legacy

Randy Johnson’s legacy in Major League Baseball is written in both numbers and stories. He is known as one of the best pitchers the game has ever seen, both literally and figuratively. Johnson had a 303-166 win-loss record, a 3.29 ERA, and 4,875 strikeouts throughout 22 seasons. This is the second most in MLB history, after Nolan Ryan. He was a scary figure on the mound because of his 6-foot-10 stature, fastball, and destructive slider. People called him “The Big Unit.”

From 1989 to 1998, Johnson excelled with the Seattle Mariners. His stats will blow your mind! Do you know? In 274 appearances, he went 130-74 with a 3.42 ERA and 2,162 strikeouts. He won his first Cy Young Award and led the Mariners to their first postseason appearance in 1995, going 18-2 with a 2.48 ERA. With this performance, Johnson became an exceptional pitcher and helped secure the Mariners’ future in Seattle. Not only with the Mariners, he graced the D-backs, too.

After Seattle, Randy Johnson won four consecutive Cy Young Awards with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1999 to 2002. He was named co-MVP of the 2001 Diamondbacks’ World Series win with Curt Schilling. Johnson dominated the league in strikeouts and ERA during this time, solidifying his legacy as a superstar.

Johnson has 10 All-Stars, five ERA crowns, and six seasons with 300 strikeouts. In 2015, 97.3% of voters inducted him into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions. Randy Johnson inspires future generations with his legacy of excellence, tenacity, and the indelible impression one player can leave.