Last night we witnessed history in the nation's capital as Giants left-hander Randy Johnson became the 24th player in MLB History to join the 300-Win Milestone and only the 6th lefty of that group (The only player to defeat all 32 teams). Johnson, who only needed 1 attempt at the historical victory became the 1st player since Tom Seaver (Chicago White Sox, August 1985) to win his 300th game on his 1st try. RJ (45) also became the 2nd oldest pitcher to reach the 300-mark, only behind Phil Niekro (46).
Johnson secured his Milestone victory against a fitting opponent - The Nationals, who also jump started his career by drafting him in the second round in 1985 when they were known as the Montreal Expos. However the team is no stranger in making both Baseball and Giants history. The Nats were also on opposite ends when Giants slugger Barry Bonds hit his record setting 756th home run. Coincidence?
With The Big Unit's family and friends waiting and watching in the stands, many are saying we may have witnessed the last 300-game winner of our lifetime, due to the five-man rotation which reduces the number of appearances a starter can make and the scarcity of pitchers able or willing to play long enough to win an appreciable number of games. Johnson, a Bay Area native, held a press conference after the game, and thanked all of the teammates he's had throughout his long lived career, and said his accomplishments wouldn't be possible without them. The Unit's next target you ask?, Cooperstown.
Team's Johnson has played with; Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamond-Backs, New York Yankees, & San Francisco Giants. Other notable accomplishments include; 5-Cy Young Awards, 2-No Hitters, 1-Perfect Game, 1-World Series Championship.
No comments:
Post a Comment