On the 18th anniversary of Randy Johnson's second 19-K game, his number is being retired

On June 24, 1997, Randy Johnson recorded 19 strikeouts, joining Steve Carlton as the only two left-handed pitchers to throw that many in a single nine-inning game. On Aug. 8, 1997, Johnson did it again and became the only pitcher to throw two 19-strikeout games in one season.

And it just so happens that on the date that any children born during Johnson's second 19-K game become old enough to vote in the United States, the D-backs are retiring the Big Unit's No. 51. Because while Johnson was a Mariner for his two 19ers (is that a phrase we can coin?), he was so, so good for multiple teams.

Over the course of nine innings, Johnson struck out every White Sox batter but one. He struck out Mike Cameron four times! He struck out Hall of Famer Frank Thomas three times! He struck out the side twice, mowing down 18 batters until Darren Lewis came up to the plate with two outs in the ninth inning.

It was a tense moment.

But Johnson got Lewis looking on three pitches, and he celebrated accordingly.

And so on Saturday Johnson celebrates twice: For his D-backs number retirement (only the second in Arizona's history), and the 18th anniversary of his second 19-strikeout game. Hopefully that means two cakes.