Randy Johnson, a baseball legend, was known for his dominance on the mound.
After retiring in 2009, he chose to step away from the spotlight.
“I retired after the 2009 season and in 2010, married and with my kids, [I was] just trying to give back time that I had been giving baseball,” Johnson said. “The one commitment I did have was when I got really involved in the USO tours. The first tour I went on 2010 and I went all the way to 2019, so for nine years, I went all over the world supporting our men and women and that came about because a friend of mine that goes on these tours was in charge of getting the celebrities or high-profile athletes and he asked me if I wanted to do it and I said I’d love to do it when I retire, I can give my time then.”
Then came a new adventure: coaching a not-so-great youth baseball team through a promotion with Sizzler steakhouse. “The whole premise was they weren’t unfortunately a very good team, basically like ‘The Bad News Bears’ of the ’70s and I’m playing Walter Matthau,” Johnson shared. “It was really pretty cool to be out there and watch their effort and their excitement.”
“The kids were falling down in the outfield, striking out… it was hilarious but heartwarming,” he added. “I enjoyed every moment.”
Johnson’s Thoughts on Modern Baseball:
Discussing today’s game with CBS Sports revealed some interesting insights from Johnson. He noticed an increase in injuries compared to his era. “For every 15 Tommy John surgeries today, maybe one happened each year back then,” he remarked.
Fans might wonder why pitchers now seem more prone to injuries despite similar velocities.
Johnson also met Paul Skenes recently when the Pirates played in Arizona. Skenes’ performance impressed him but also highlighted differences between eras. “I’ve seen him pitch; he’s unbelievable for 22,” Johnson noted but pointed out Dwight Gooden’s rookie stats as even more impressive.
When Skenes pitched against Arizona: five innings, two earned runs on five hits with exactly 100 pitches. Over his season’s fifteen starts: averaging just over six innings per game.
“If winning games matters to you,” Johnson advised Skenes directly, “you’ll need more than five or six innings each outing.” He emphasized building endurance over time .
On modern changes like pitch clocks? Johnson approved wholeheartedly! “It speeds up games which is great,” he said enthusiastically while explaining how staying in rhythm benefits pitchers rather than dragging things out unnecessarily.
What do you think about Randy’s views?
