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Posts Tagged ‘The Big Unit’

Thoughts on the Mariners Home Opener

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

A silly car analogy I thought up on the spot: If the average MLB offense were a Ford Focus, the Seattle Mariners would be a 70s Datsun B210 entered in the KDDA Destruction Derby. Seriously, they’re not even street legal.

When I made the prediction that the Mariners would win the AL West this year, I did so on the basis that our pitching and defense was able to overcome any deficiencies on offense. Well, I didn’t expect the M’s offense to be completely sterile. I didn’t foresee them scoring just 21 runs in their first eight games. That’s just under 3 runs per game if you’re counting at home.

The Mariners home opener featured several of the greats in pregame: Randy Johnson throwing out the first pitch and posing with Dan Wilson, Edgar, Griffey, and Jay Buhner.

A sellout crowd then proceeded to watch a decent start by Ryan Rowland-Smith, who gave up four runs thanks in part to some amazing defensive plays. The only problem was offense and it was abysmal. The Mariners totaled two hits and zero runs. Need I say more?

So am I going back on my prediction? Not yet. The season is young, but the prospects aren’t looking too good at the moment.


Video of Randy Johnson Throwing out the First Pitch

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Here is a video from @SeaSportsInsider of Randy Johnson throwing out the first pitch at the home opener yesterday.


Randy Johnson Announces Retirement

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Former Mariner Randy Johnson, AKA The Big Unit (Has there ever been a better nickname?), has announced his retirement from professional baseball, according to several reports.

The Unit’s career encompassed 22 seasons, including 10 of his prime years with the Mariners. He also played for the now extinct Expos, Astros, Diamondbacks, Yankees and Giants. He was known for his blistering fastball, prickly demeanor and for hitting a dove with a pitch. See below.

Johnson is a 10 time all star, 5 time Cy Young winner, 9 time league MVP and a World Series MVP. You can read his full career stats here. There is absolutely no question that he is going to the hall of fame.

I will always remember The Unit Best for Five things: his complete game against Mark Langston and the Angels in the one game 1995 playoff, his relief appearance in the 1995 ALDS, for throwing the first no hitter in Mariners history, MR. SNAPPY and for buzzing John Kruk in the 1993 All Star Game.

Seriously, take a look at that video. John Kruk wants absolutely nothing to do with Randy Johnson after that pitch. I’m pretty sure he still has nightmares to this day.

Thank you, RJ, for all the memories.


The 360 Sports Blog

An insider's take on Seattle sports and other miscellaneous happenings, written by Northwest sports fan Chadrick Ashby.

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Seattle Sports Icons

This list is dedicated to those who have dedicated themselves to and sacrificed for their respective Seattle sports organizations.

1. Dave Niehaus
2. Edgar Martinez
3. Jay Buhner
4. Steve Largent
5. Cortez Kennedy
6. Paul Allen
7. Ken Griffey, Jr.
8. Jake Locker
9. Randy Johnson aka The Big Unit
10. Lou Piniella

The Suck List

This list is dedicated to those who have disgraced or dishonored Northwest sports, or people/organizations who suck in general.

1. Clay Bennet
2. Greg Nickels
3. Howard Schultz/Starbucks
4. David Stern - NBA Commissioner
5. Geoff Baker - Seattle Times
6. Alex Rodriguez
7. Red Sox Fans from Kent
8. The New York Yankees
9. SuperBowl 40 Referees