Celebrate Randy Johnson's Hall of Fame induction with 15 of his greatest pitch faces
Best Randy Johnson faces to celebrate his induction
Imagine Randy Johnson's face on Sunday afternoon, the sun beating down on him on stage, a breeze rustling his hair, as he is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Picture the expression that will flit across his face as his name is called.
Because Johnson has an inhuman number of accomplishments: 4,875 strikeouts (good for second most in MLB history), 303 career wins, 10 All-Star elections, five Cy Young Awards, and a World Series title and MVP Award. He is one of the most decorated players ever to pitch in the Majors -- which is why he's being inducted into the Hall this weekend.
But I like to think a part of Johnson's HOF case is right there on his face -- specifically, well his face.
Adorned with a mustache or framed by a mullet, strained in celebration, agape with frustration or riddled with confusion, it is impossible to mistake Johnson's face for that of anyone else.
And so, as we prepare to celebrate Johnson's induction, let us toast his ever expressive face. Here are 15 of the most Randy Johnson faces of all time.
First, the canvas upon which his expressions are painted. A very young (and blonde?) Johnson as an Expo:
Johnson, in pure ecstasy following his no-hitter:
When Walt Whitman spoke of yawps, this is what he meant:
Don't forget, Johnson has one of the greatest pitch faces of all time.
He also has a phenomenal "did that guy really hit one of my pitches?" face. Both the distressed kind -- watching an Albert Pujols home run:
And the benign -- watching a popout in the World Series:
Johnson celebrating with his co-WS MVP:
And reveling in his success on "The Tonight Show:"
Here's Johnson covering his face with his (gigantic) hand:
But Johnson was at his best in celebration. Of his perfect game in 2004:
Upon moving into second place on MLB's all-time strikeouts leaderboard:
And his 300th career win:
So here's to you, Randy. Take a deep breath ...
And revel in your career. You earned it.
Update: One of Johnson's old teams decided to join in on the fun, and we'd be remiss if we didn't include this remarkable photo here as well:
@Cut4 Don't forget "get off my lawn" face. pic.twitter.com/yAm8qL9zfH
- Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 24, 2015