Mariners will retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 during the 2026 season

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The Seattle Mariners have announced that they will be retiring Hall of Fame left-hander Randy Johnson’s No. 51 jersey during a special ceremony on May 2, 2026. This honor comes after the Mariners previously retired the numbers of other legendary players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Ichiro Suzuki.

Johnson spent 10 seasons with the Mariners, amassing a record of 130-74 and a 3.42 ERA during his time with the team. The 62-year-old pitcher expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that he is happy to see his contributions to the franchise acknowledged after all these years.

While Johnson found success with other teams, most notably the Arizona Diamondbacks where he won four Cy Young Awards and a World Series, he holds a special place in his heart for his time in Seattle. He made his major league debut with the Mariners in 1989 after being traded from the Montreal Expos and went on to have a breakout season in 1993.

One of Johnson’s most memorable seasons came in 1995 when he went 18-2 with a 2.48 ERA and won his first Cy Young Award. This season was particularly significant as it coincided with the Mariners’ success on the field and the approval of funding for a new stadium in Seattle.

Throughout his career, Johnson accumulated impressive stats, finishing with a 303-166 record, a 3.29 ERA, and 4,875 strikeouts. He is considered one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, being one of only four pitchers to achieve at least 300 wins and 4,000 strikeouts.

In addition to having his No. 51 retired by the Mariners, Johnson was also inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2012 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. The Arizona Diamondbacks retired his number in 2015 as well.

The upcoming jersey retirement ceremony will be a fitting tribute to Johnson’s illustrious career and his lasting impact on the Seattle Mariners franchise. Fans and players alike will come together to honor the “Big Unit” and celebrate his lasting legacy in the world of baseball.