Randy Johnson’s wild Pitch: Remembering the bird that Met an Unfortunate end
PHOENIX (AP) — Hall of fame pitcher Randy Johnson is remembered for his blazing fastball and towering presence on the mound. But one bizarre moment from a 2001 spring training game often overshadows his many achievements: the time his pitch collided wiht a dove in mid-air, resulting in a cloud of feathers and a ”no pitch” ruling.
the incident, which occurred on March 24, 2001, during a game between Johnson’s Arizona Diamondbacks and the San francisco Giants, remains a shocking and unforgettable part of baseball lore. While Johnson whent on to win a World Series MVP that year, he says he is almost as frequently asked about the unfortunate bird.
Randy Johnson’s height of 2.08 m helps him to throw particularly sharply.Image: www.imago-images.de
The Unfortunate Incident: A ‘No Pitch’ Like No Other
The seventh inning of the exhibition game in Tucson, Arizona, took an unexpected turn when Johnson’s fastball met an airborne dove. Diamondbacks catcher Rod Barajas described the scene: “I’m squatting there waiting to catch the thing, and all you see is an explosion. And just feathers everywhere.” The umpire ruled it a “no pitch,” accompanied by audible gasps from the crowd.
Johnson’s Reaction and Legacy
Despite some fans finding humor in the situation, Johnson himself was not amused.”I didn’t think it was that funny,” he said after the game, which Arizona won 10-5. Diamondbacks manager bob Brenly called the event “dramatic” and admitted he had “never seen anything like it.”
Johnson in his Diamondbacks jersey.Image: www.imago-images.de
ornithologist Henry Streby from the University of Toledo commented to Newsweek that the dove likely did not suffer long. However, he added, “I feel bad thinking that at this time of year it was probably a breeding bird, with a nest with eggs or hungry chicks.”
A Hall of Fame career, Slightly Overshadowed
Randy johnson, a ten-time All-star and World Series MVP, retired in 2009 after 22 seasons in Major League Baseball. He is one of the few pitchers to have thrown a “Perfect Game.” Known as “The Big Unit” due to his 6-foot-10 frame and intimidating presence, Johnson’s career was filled with strikeouts and accolades.
His intensity was legendary, onc stating, “I don’t have a gun at home, but I keep a sack of baseballs next to my bed. If someone breaks in, they better wear a helmet, because I’m aiming for the head.”
“I don’t have a gun at home, but I keep a sack of baseballs next to my bed. If someone breaks in, they better wear a helmet, because I’m aiming for the head.”
Johnson Today: life as a Photographer
Today, Randy Johnson pursues a second career as a photographer. His company logo? A dove on its back with feathers in the air, a macabre nod to a moment he, and baseball fans, will never forget. See his work at rj51photos.com.
Randy Johnson on his website.Image: rj51photos
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This article commemorates the anniversary of a significant event in sports history.
What is Randy Johnson’s reaction to the bird incident, and how has it impacted his public image?
Randy Johnson’s Wild Pitch: Remembering the Bird That Met an Unfortunate End – Q&A
Here’s a closer look at the infamous incident and Randy Johnson’s remarkable career:
Q&A:
- What exactly happened with the bird?
- During a 2001 spring training game, Randy Johnson’s fastball collided with a dove in mid-air, resulting in the bird’s immediate demise and a ”no pitch” ruling.
- Where and when did this happen?
- The incident occured on March 24, 2001, in Tucson, Arizona, during an exhibition game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San francisco Giants.
- How did Randy Johnson react?
- While the crowd found the event humorous, Johnson was reportedly not amused. He later stated that he didn’t find it funny. He did however,acknowledge the frequency with which he is asked about the incident,even more than his World Series MVP performance.
- Did the bird die instantly?
- Yes, the dove was killed by the impact of the baseball. An ornithologist commented that it likely did not suffer long.
- What happened to the game?
- the game continued, with the Arizona Diamondbacks winning 10-5. The “no pitch” ruling meant the at-bat continued from that point.
- What is Randy Johnson doing now?
- Johnson is now a professional photographer, and his company logo features a dove with feathers in the air, a humorous nod to the incident. You can find his work at rj51photos.com.
- What are some of Randy Johnson’s career achievements?
- Johnson is a Hall of Fame pitcher, a ten-time All-Star, and a World Series MVP. He was known for his intimidating presence, his blazing fastball, and was one of the few pitchers to throw a “Perfect game”. He retired after 22 seasons in MLB.
- What was “The Big Unit” known for?
- Johnson was known for his imposing 6-foot-10 frame, his remarkable fastball, and his intimidating presence on the mound. Also, his intensity, which sometimes bordered on the eccentric, was legendary.
- Is there any video footage of the incident?
- Yes, the incident was captured on video and is readily available online. Search for ”Randy Johnson bird pitch” to see the unforgettable moment.
- Trivia: what is the average speed of a Randy Johnson fastball?
- Johnson’s fastball frequently enough reached speeds of 98-100 mph! He was known for his high velocity and intimidating presence on the mound.
Remember Randy Johnson’s career, and see how he turned this unforgettable moment into a memorable part of his second career.
