Why is Randy Johnson called the big unit?

By Oliver Wiener December 08, 2023 05:28

Randy Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 10 inches tall, Johnson was an intimidating figure on the mound. Throughout his career, he earned several nicknames, but perhaps the most famous one is "The Big Unit." In this article, we will explore the origins of this nickname and the reasons behind it.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 10, 1963, in Walnut Creek, California, Randy Johnson displayed an early passion for baseball. His towering height and exceptional talent caught the attention of scouts, and he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1985. Johnson quickly established himself as a dominant force on the mound, thanks to his blazing fastball and devastating slider.

The Birth of the Nickname

During his tenure with the Seattle Mariners, Randy Johnson's nickname, "The Big Unit," was born. It was bestowed upon him by then-Mariners teammate Tim Belcher during spring training in 1993. The story behind the nickname is quite intriguing.

Spring Training Incident

During a spring training session, Johnson was pitching to outfielder Henry Cotto. The pitch got away from Johnson and sailed high, hitting a nearby bird in mid-flight. The bird, a poor unsuspecting creature, disintegrated upon impact. Johnson's incredible fastball velocity, combined with his towering height, made it nearly impossible for the bird to escape unscathed. This incident caught the attention of Belcher, who was amazed at the sheer power and intimidation Johnson possessed.

The Meaning Behind the Nickname

"The Big Unit" nickname is a play on words. It cleverly combines Johnson's immense physical stature with a double entendre. The term "unit" is often used as a slang term for a male's reproductive organ. In Johnson's case, the nickname refers not only to his tremendous size but also to his dominance and power on the baseball field.

Dominance on the Mound

Randy Johnson's career statistics validate his nickname. He played for six different teams during his 22-year career and left an indelible mark on the game. Johnson's sheer dominance and imposing presence made him one of the most feared pitchers of his era.

Blazing Fastball

One of Johnson's most notable attributes was his blistering fastball. With a release point closer to home plate than any other pitcher, Johnson's fastball would seemingly explode towards the batter. His fastball regularly reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, making it extremely difficult for hitters to make solid contact.

Devastating Slider

In addition to his fastball, Johnson possessed a devastating slider that left batters perplexed. With a sharp, late-breaking movement, his slider was nearly unhittable. Batters often found themselves swinging helplessly at pitches that appeared to be in the strike zone but ended up diving out of reach.

Strikeout King

Randy Johnson's ability to overpower hitters led to an impressive number of strikeouts throughout his career. He retired with a total of 4,875 strikeouts, placing him second on the all-time strikeout list. Johnson's aggressive pitching style, coupled with his intimidating presence, made it challenging for batters to make consistent contact.

Legacy and Impact

Randy Johnson's legacy extends far beyond his nickname. He was a 10-time All-Star, won the Cy Young Award five times, and played a pivotal role in leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series championship in 2001. Johnson's intimidating presence on the mound influenced a generation of pitchers who sought to emulate his dominance.

Randy Johnson's nickname, "The Big Unit," perfectly encapsulates his physical stature, dominance, and power on the baseball field. From his incredible fastball and devastating slider to his record-breaking strikeout totals, Johnson was a force to be reckoned with. His impact on the game of baseball is undeniable, and his nickname will forever be associated with one of the greatest pitchers to ever step foot on the mound.