Randy Johnson Memories

Randy Johnson achieved career wins 296-300 in a Giants uniform, and we're proud he decided to share them with us. With Johnson's tenure with the Giants has been a short one, he is one opposing player we have enjoyed watching over the years. Here are a few Johnson moments that stand out in my mind.

• My first memory of Randy Johnson is during the 1993 All Star game when a fastball slipped from the Unit's fingers and flew over the head of John Kruk. Kruk had a new sense of fear when stepping back into the batter's box and proceeded to strike out swinging. In 1997, Johnson faced Larry Walker in the midsummer classic - a hitter who famously sat out on days he was to face Johnson. Showing that he has a sense of humor beneath that stern exterior, Johnson let one go over Walker's head, as well.
• Two Johnson moments that stand out for me both occurred in the playoffs and in relief. Johnson pitched three innings in relief on one days rest in game five of the 1995 division series against the Yankees. While he did allow a run in the top of the 11th, the Mariners scored two in the bottom half on a dramatic Edgar Martinez single. Johnson relieved Curt Schilling on zero days rest in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. He pitched the final 1 1/3 emerging the winning pitcher and sharing a co-MVP with Schilling. Said Schilling, "That relief appearance is everything you ever need to know about Randy Johnson."
• When the Mariners visited Candlestick in 1997, the inagural season of interleague play, Johnson looked as though he'd never swung a bat in his life. He still looks a bit like that, though I did once see him launch a hit to the centerfield wall at the 'Stick as a member of the Diamondbacks.