The Seattle Mariners have announced that they will retire the jersey number 51 in honor of the legendary left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson. The retirement ceremony will be held on May 2, 2026, before a game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Johnson, known as the “Big Unit,” began his Mariners career in 1989 after being traded from the Montreal Expos. Over parts of ten seasons with Seattle, he achieved a 130-74 win-loss record and recorded a 39.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). He earned his first Cy Young Award as a Mariner in 1995 before being traded to the Astros in 1998. Johnson later had a remarkable stint with the Diamondbacks, highlighted by multiple accolades and a World Series MVP title in 2001.
By the time he retired after the 2009 season, Johnson had amassed a career WAR of 103.5, 303 wins, and 4,875 strikeouts, ranking him ninth all-time in WAR among pitchers and second in career strikeouts behind Nolan Ryan. He was a 10-time All-Star, with half of those selections coming while he played for the Mariners. Johnson also threw two no-hitters and completed exactly 100 games during his career. His outstanding achievements earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Randy Johnson will become the fifth Mariners player to have their number retired, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (24), Edgar Martinez (11), and Ichiro Suzuki (51, to be retired in 2025). Additionally, like all MLB teams, the Mariners have retired Jackie Robinson’s iconic number 42.
Fan Take: This milestone not only celebrates one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history but also reinforces the Mariners’ rich legacy. Honoring Randy Johnson’s career reminds fans of the impact he had on the sport, inspiring future generations and keeping the spirit of baseball greatness alive.
